





*' 






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classified 
Commercial correspondence 



QAi<OLYN-H-Locive 




Glass _^Jj-__ 
Book __^^ 1L5_ 



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O r\ "2. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr. 



Classified Commercial 
Correspondence 



FOR DICTATION TO 



SHORTHAND STUDENTS, 



b '3 ■) 



Compiled and edited by 

Carolyn H. Locke, 

• r ; 
DREXEL INSTITUTE, PHILADELPHIA. 



PUBLISHED BY THE COMPILER. 



Copyright, 1903, 

by 
Carolyn H. Locke. 






LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Reesived 

DEC 24 1903 

^ Copyright Entry 
CLASS'^i^^'x^. No. 
' COPY % 






\' 



c\ 



O 



TO TEACHERS 
AND STUDENTS 

'' I ^HIS compilation of letters aims to 
present a collection in which busi- 
ness terms and technicalities have been 
retained, and business slang eliminated. 
Great care has been taken to make the 
letters models of clearness, conciseness, 
and good English, and special attention 
has been paid to forms of punctuation 
and capitalization. 



Classified 
Commercial Correspondence 



General Office Correspondence. 

Mr. Walter Elkins, I. 

Ogden, Ut. ^ 

Dear Sir : 

We desire to call attention to a smail balance due us, 
as shown by the inclosed statement. We have written you 
several times concerning this item which must have been 
overlooked. If you will kindly favor us with a check by 
return mail.^ the remittance will be appreciated. (48) 

Yours truly, 

Miss Katherine Payne, 2. 

Wilmington, Del. 
Dear Madam : 

We find that the package about which you inquired 
this morning, and for which we hold the receipt, was deliv- 
ered at Elm Street Station on September 27. We have 
notified the Kailroad Company to investigate the matter 
and report to us. 

Trusting that this inquiry will lead to the recovery 
of the package, we are (55) 

Yours very truly, 

Publishers of the 3. 

'' Pacific Bulletin,'^ 

San Francisco, Cal. 
Dear Sirs : 

We have your letter of March 10 regarding our adver- 
tising, and while it would afford us great pleasure to send 
you a share of this business, we can only express our regret 



6 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

that at this time it is not within our power to do so. Later 
on, we may be able to arrange for space in your columns. 

Very truly yours, (58) 

Messrs. A. M. Boyle & Son, 4. 

Chester, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

Your postal card of January 3 is here. We regret that 
the catalogue we sent has not yet reached you, and we send 
you by mail to-day additional copies. You will, of course, 
bear in mind the discounts as shown in our previous cor- 
respondence. " (44) 

Very truly yours 

Mr. William Reeves, 5. 

New Orleans, La. 
Dear Sir : 

Your check for $18.33, a partial payment on our 

invoice of June 27, has been received and credited ; but as 

this invoice has already run sixty days, and as our terms for 

a sixty-day settlement are 4 per cent, instead of 5 per cent., 

your remittance is 39 cents short. Kindly favor us with 

stamps for this amount, and oblige (60) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. James Kent, 6. 

Perry ville, Md. 
Dear Sir : 

Inclosed find copy of a letter we have received from 
Simpson Brothers, plumbers, of your town, with manifold of 
our reply to them. We have no means of knowing whether 
this firm is really in our line of business, and therefore hesi- 
tate to make any quotations, our dealings being exclusively 
with the trade. Please act in this matter as you think 
proper, and advise us at your earliest convenience. (69) 

Respectfully yours, 



General Office Correspondence. 7 

Messrs. Parke & Wolf, 7, 

213 Broadway, New York. 
Gentlemen : 

We have received bill of October 2 for two dozen 
ivory combs No. 300. We are very sorry to say that we 
can not use these, our order being for a duplicate of combs 
previously ordered from you. Please let us know how we 
shall return these two dozen. The comb we wish is like the 
inclosed drawing, and if you can duplicate this, please send 
us two dozen, together with the rest of our order. (76) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Harding & Wright, 8. 

Boston, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of your order of the 2d inst., for 
which we desire to thank you. As most of these goods are 
special, we have ordered the same direct to you from the 
factory, requesting as prompt shipment as possible. 

Trusting that the goods will open up to your satisfac- 
tion, and that we may have the pleasure of receiving future 
orders, we remain (67) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. A. W. Shane, Foreman, &. 

Atchison, Kan. 
Dear Sir : 

In accordance with conversation I had with you 
to-day, I send herewith for your use a piece-work chart, with 
the new piece-work prices. Please put these prices in opera- 
tion with one of your average gangs for one month, and advise 
at the end of that time what you think of the prices and 
how the men feel about them. Please send me each week 



8 Classified Commeecial Coreespondence. 

the piece-work cards, worked up with the new prices ; also 

note on them what the men would have made under the 

old price regulations. (91) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs Perry & Miles, 10. 

Los Angeles, Cal. 
Gentlemen : 

I have referred to your letter under date of December 
11 wherein you say that you expect to make settlement 
with me in a few days, and I am sorry to note that I have 
heard nothing further from you. I do not wish to be dis- 
courteous in this matter, but I assure you, unless this 
account is settled immediately, I shall have entry made in 
the Sheriff's office and attachment issued. 

Kindly attend to this matter at once and save further 

trouble. (83) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Charles Nixon, II. 

Oxford, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Inclosed please find bill for Christmas greens and 
wreaths, forwarded to W. H. Smith, Media Station, as 
ordered from your office. My instructions were to have 
this package sent through the package department of the 
P. R. R. Co. free ; but for such packages they do not issue 
any receipt, and rather than run the risk of losing the goods, 
I paid the regular charge of 25 cents and herewith attach 
receipt issued by the baggage agent. ( 77) 

Yours very respectfully, 

Mrs. Mary B. Wayne, 12. 

East Orange, N. J. 
Dear Madam : 

Your application for credit having been referred to 

the office, we desire to say that it is customary for us to 



General Office Coreespondence. 9 

state the terms on which we open accounts. Our bills are 
rendered on the 1st of the month, and settlements are 
expected promptly. Under no circumstances can we allow 
our accounts to remain open over 60 days. If it is satis- 
factory for you to conform to our custom, we shall be 
pleased to open the account. 

Awaiting a reply, we remain (82) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Crosson, Sons & Co., 13. 

Nashville, Tenn. 
Dear Sirs : 

Yours of the 12th inst. is at hand and in reply we desire 
to state that we have been selling the Walton Electric Con- 
struction Co., of Jackson, Tenn., since March of this year 
only. During that time we have sold them three bills : the 
first for $13.50 was paid within ten days ; the second for |12. 10 
was paid in about 25 days ; and the third bill, dated Sept. 
4, for $72.91 has not yet been settled. 

Hopinsc that this information will be of service to 
you, we are (90) 

Yours truly, 

Dr. J. M. Gazzam, 14. 

Hoi yoke, Mass. 

Dear Dr. Gazzam : 

Sometime ago we sent to your address, through Boyd 

& Co., Boston, a case of Lithia water. We trust your 

experience with this water has been satisfactory and that 

you can give us reports similar to those we have received 

from over a thousand prominent physicians. If for any 

particular reason you wish to continue the test, and will 

so notify us, we will try to arrange with our Boston 

agents to allow you to do so. A line from you in regard to 

this will be appreciated by ( 89 ) 

Yours respectfully. 



10 Classified Commeecial Correspondence. 

Mr. W. A. Eupp 15. 

Sedalia, Mo. 
Dear Sir : 

I have yours of the 13th instant, inclosing shipping 
receipt as stated. In regard to soliciting shipments during 
the coming season, I wish to say that I have no notion 
of making any change at your station. Our dealings, so far 
as I know, have been thoroughly satisfactory in the past, 
and I shall be very thankful indeed if you continue to repre- 
sent my interests at your town. I shall gladly pay you for 
any trouble or expense you may incur in getting shipments 
from other points. (88) 

Very respectfully yours, 

Messrs. Field Bros. & Co., 16. 

New Bedford, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

We have your remittance of the 1st instant, and note 
your deduction of $.25 for cartage on Jap poles. The 
margin of profit on these goods is so small that we are com- 
pelled to make this nominal charge to cover the expense of 
transferring these goods from the warehouse to the depot. 
We trust you will see the justice of our claim, and send us 
$.25 in postage stamps for the amount deducted, and oblige 

Yours very truly, (77) 

The W. B. Rydey Manufacturing Co., 17. 

Hazleton, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

In order to provide increased facilities for conducting 
our Philadelphia business, to insure ready communication 
with our customers, and to give prompt attention to all 
matters pertaining to their orders and inquiries, we are 
pleased to announce that we have opened an office and 



General Office Coeeespondence. 11 

sample room at the address given above. Telephone No. 
92-28. The office will be in charge of our representative, 
Mr. F. R. Yates. 

Soliciting your patronage, we are (74) 

Yours very truly, 

Western Telephone Co., 18. 

Portland, Ore. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter of the 28th received. You say that you 
will investigate the trouble with telephone 2-14-43, of which 
I complained. I have made no complaint regarding this 
'phone, but I did write you on the 25th inst., complaining 
of the miserable service given me on my house 'phone. No. 
38-24-D. I had this 'phone put in principally for long- 
distance work, but have never been able to have a satisfac- 
tory long-distance conversation over it. 

By giving your prompt attention to this matter you 
will greatly oblige ( 92 ) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Arnold & Benson, 19. 

Richmond, Ya. 
Gentlemen : 

We must absolutely insist upon immediate delivery 
of our order of the 14th ult. We have written you several 
times in reference to this, but have not as yet received an 
invoice. We are being continually questioned by our cus- 
tomers concerning the matter of delivery, as we have been 
holding their orders for some time awaiting the arrival of 
the goods. This is extremely annoying, and unless we hear 
from you at once we will go elsewhere and purchase, charg- 
ing the difference in price to you. 

Trusting to receive a reply by return mail, we are 

Very truly yours, ( 95 ) 



12 Classified Commeecial Correspondence. 

The Arkley Nurseries, 20. 

Lawrence, Mass. 
Dear Sirs : 

In reply to your letter of the 18th inst. , we wish to 
inform you that we do not care to pay as high as |1.50 each 
for rose bushes. Have you any of the Crimson Eamblersthat 
are strong, two-year old plants, with canes which have been 
cut back to two feet, same as you furnished us several years 
ago ? I note that you have them in yellow and white, but we 
do not care for those varieties. If you can furnish us the 
Crimson Ramblers in the desired condition, what price would 
you ask us per dozen ? (101) 

Yours respectfully, 

Mr. J. G. Browning, 21. 

Dallas, Tex. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter of the 2d inst. at hand. We are sorry to 
say that it is impossible for us to send you one of our whole- 
sale catalogues, as we confine the distribution of these 
strictly to the w^holesale trade. 

We are sending you under separate cover a copy of 
our retail catalogue, and take pleasure in referring you to 
Messrs. Black & Clayton, of your town, who carry a com- 
plete line of our goods, and who will be pleased to supply 
your wants. 

Trusting that you will favor the above firm with your 

orders, we remain (98) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. Edward B. Mason, 22. 

Harrisburg, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of the 19th inst. at hand and noted. The 
books referred to were left here on Saturday during my 



General Office Correspondence. 13 

absence. Had I had an opportunity to examine them^ they 
would not have been accepted as they were poorly packed, 
while the cord tying them has been drawn so tightly that 
several sections are mutilated at the bottom. This impairs 
both their beauty and their value. If you desire to make 
an adequate reduction for this damage, I will accept the 
books ; otherwise they will be subject to your order for 
disposition. (92) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. L. H. Gaunt, 23. 

Quebec, Can. 
Dear Sir : 

Yours of the 5th instant is at hand, and in reply we 
wish to state that material and wages have advanced so much 
that we cannot possibly make you better terms. We have, 
in fact, been obliged to withdraw, to a large extent, dis- 
counts quoted our Canadian friends. If a large order for 
one pattern were to be placed, thereby cheapening the cost 
of production, we could no doubt give you some slight 
advantage. Please advise us regarding the quantity you 
could use, and we will make as close prices as possible. 

Yours very truly, ( 92 ) 

Mr. James P. Thorn, 24. 

Elizabeth, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

We have your remittance of the 29th ult., and note 
your claim of overcharge on Blue Rock targets. The 
prices on these targets were becoming so disturbed that the 
manufacturers were compelled at the first of the year to fix 
a figure below which we cannot put our prices. We are 
sorry to say that the very best we can offer is |5.50 per M. 
If you can not use these goods at this price, kindly return 



14 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

them to us and we will credit your account ; otherwise 
kindly send us check for the amount deducted, and oblige 

Very truly yours, (97) 

The Skinner Collection Agency, 25. 

Oakland, Cal. 
Dear Sirs : 

Replying to your letter of the 13th inst., we inclose 
statement of our account, $350.34, against the Pacific 
Plumbing Co. We hope you may be able to make this col- 
lection without suit, yet it would be useless to wait many 
days on any of their promises. Let us know what money is 
needed for expenses and we will send check. The first item, 
$49, is for some samples that were sent on approval and 
were to be returned, but the goods have never been received 
by us. We have been selling the company since March 3, 
1902, and have not been informed of any change in the firm. 
Inclosed find the last letter received from them relative to 
our account. 

Please let us hear from you as soon as possible, and 
oblige (135) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. John Jones & Co., 26. 

Cleveland, O. 
Gentlemen : 

Replying to your inquiry of the 4th inst., we desire 
to state that you are somewhat far away to do business with 
us on mutually satisfactory terms. There is a large stock 
of our manufactures in the warehouse of Messrs. Earley & 
Son, No. 10 King Street, Cincinnati, which would be a 
more convenient point from which to obtain your supplies. 
We send you separately one of our latest catalogues, and if 
you feel that it would be more to your advantage to deal 



Stationees' Supplies. 15 

directly with us, we suggest that you make out a list of the 
articles you wish to purchase, giving quantities and sizes of 
packages, etc. , on receipt of which we can send you a pro- 
forma bill. Please note that orders involving new accounts 
should be accompanied either by cash or by first-class city 
references. 

Awaiting further advice in the matter, we are 

Yours truly, (148) 



Stationers' Supplies. 

Mr. Richard Keats, 27. 

Beaver Falls, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We take pleasure in inclosing you samples of Decatur 
Bond, 16 and 20 lb. , and quote you as follows : 8 x 11 from 
16 lb. at 40 cents per ream ; 20 lb. at 50 cents per ream ; 
8x 13 from 16 lb. at 55 cents per ream ; 20 lb. at 70 cents 
per ream. This is regular stock with us, and can be furnished 
at any time. 

Trusting that you will place an order with us, we are 
Yours truly, (79) 

Mr. Robert Moffatt, 28. 

Aurora, 111. 
Dear Sir : 

I find that the embossing on the blue envelopes is so 
deep that it is not practicable to fold them on the machine. 
I have therefore had them folded by hand, and, under these 
circumstances, as we did not give you previous notice, there 
will be no additional charge ; but I will ask you to note 
that for all future deliveries of this sort an additional charge 
of 40 cents per thousand will be necessary. (75) 

Very truly yours, 



16 Classified Commeecial Coreespondence. 

Mr. Theodore Hughes, 29. 

Woonsocket, K. I. 
Dear Sir : 

We shall be pleased to supply you with 18,000 note 
headings, with additional headings as copy, in tablets of 
100 each, for $25 ; 5,000 letter heads and 500 second sheets, 
with additional headings as copy, $15 ; 20,000 envelopes, 
same as last lot supplied you, $29.50 ; 5,000 to match paper, 
$16.50 ; 5,000 manilla envelopes, like sample inclosed here- 
with, $6 ; 30 reams examination paper, $1.25 per ream. 

We should be glad to be favored with your order, 
which would receive our prompt attention. (81) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Davids & Babbitt, . 30, 

New Haven, Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

Will you kindly forward us a case of the 65 lb. cream 
wove paper, such as has been furnished us under previous 
orders. We wish that you would caution your mills about 
duplicating the numbers in marking the cases. On the 
invoice of the 16th of May, No. 11 was given for 45 lb. white 
wove, and the same number was repeated in your invoice of 
September 23 for the 65 lb. This has caused a great deal 
of confusion and annoyance. Kindly use greater care in the 
future, and oblige (91) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Parry & Lange, 31. 

La Porte, Ind. 
Gentlemen : 

In replying to your letter of the 5th, inclosing form 
for ledger, we shall be pleased to supply a book containing 
850 pages, ruled with divisions for accounts, as specified, of 
paper the same as sample inclosed, with printed headings, 



Stationers' Supplies. 17 

bound in full leather, Eussia bands, which is the same style 
' of binding supplied you in 1902, for $20 ; without printing, 
$16. If bound with Russia leather corners instead of bands, 
the binding otherwise being the same quality, if printed, $17; 
without printing, $15. 

Trusting to be favored with your order, we remain 
Yours truly, (93) 

Mr. William Cunningham, 32. 

Fargo, N. Dak. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to your letter of the 6th inst., we will supply 
a ledger containing 1,000 pages, divided as follows : 650 
pages, with two accounts or divisions ; 125 pages, three 
divisions ; 225 pages, ^ix divisions ; bound in full leather, 
spring back, Russia bands, for $25. If Russia corners 
instead of bands are desired, the price would-be $23. Index 
size, 11 J X 18, leather bound, with red line down centre of 
page, $4. 

As the above prices are for best material and work- 
manship throughout, we hope to be favored with your order. 

Yours truly, (92) 

Messrs. Bowen & Powell, 33. 

Baltimore, Md. 
Gentlemen : 

I have your letter of the 15th inst., with order for 500 
No. 6J Kent Linen envelopes. As you require a special 
color on these, they will have to be made up for you, and it 
will be a day or two before I can forward them. 

In the meanwhile, your order of the same date, under 
separate cover, will have prompt and careful attention. I 
will forward immediately 12 dozen of each of the three sizes 
of large manilla envelopes, in accordance with samples sent 
us. This lot will be priced at the thousand rate ; but I 



18 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

would ask you to note that the quotations originally made 
to you were for quantities of 1,000 and over, and that it is 
not possible to make envelopes at the same rate in smaller 
quantities than 1,000. 

Hoping to be favored from time to time with orders 
for larger quantities, I remain (154) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Robert K. Sibley, 34. 

Dubuque, lo. 
Dear Sir : 

We have your letter of the 17th, ordering 1,000 

copies of your new policy blank, and note that you add 

fac-simile signature to the copy. Is it your desire that we 

engrave this signature and print on the blank, or do you 

prefer to use a rubber stamp for its impression? As we 

shall begin work immediately upon the type-setting, we 

shall thank you to advise us by return mail whether or not 

we shall make the engravings for the signatures. (84) 

Yery truly yours, 

Mr. Arthur Booth, 35 

Manchester, N. H. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your letter of September 14, we would say 
that we have on hand 112 of the 10x14 drawing paper blocks, 
and 156 of the cross-section blocks, size 10 x 14, lithographed 
on a scale of J to the inch. We should be pleased to supply 
these if ordered in lots of 50 or more, at the rate of 20 cents 
each for the drawing blocks, and 17 cents each for the cross- 
section blocks. Tracing paper, as per sample inclosed, 
would cost you 90 cents per one hundred sheets. 

We shall be glad to receive your order, and can 

promise shipment immediately if order does no exceed the 

quantities stated. (119) 

Yours very truly, 



Stationers' Supplies. 19 

Mr. George Kemp, Registrar, 36. 

Fowler School of Art and Industry, 
Indianapolis, Ind. 
Dear Sir : 

We take pleasure in quoting prices on goods used in 
your supply department, as follows : 

Tracing paper, in rolls 43 inches wide, 20 yards long, 
in lots of 12 rolls, at 60 cents per roll. 

Best quality Red Sable water color brushes, with 
short, black handles, sizes 3 to 6, at $2 to $4 per dozen, less 
50% in lots of one dozen of any one size. 

Our new writing practice paper — sample sheet in- 
closed — at 85 cents per ream, will give better value than can 
be obtained elsewhere at greater cost. 

Trusting that we may hear from you after considera- 
tion of these prices, we remain (109) 

Yours truly, 

The Tradesmen's Trust and Safe Deposit Company, 37. 

Duluth, Minn. 
Gentlemen : 

We wish to call your attention to Madden's steel 
pens, the accompanying samples being sent for your inspec- 
tion and for trial. These pens are the product of a process 
perfected by Mr. Henry Madden, and have won the approval 
of the most expert penmen for their durabilit}^, elasticity 
and many points of excellence. They are warranted not to 
scratch or blot, and will carry a good supply of ink without 
continual dipping, the points being rounded and finished 
with the utmost skill and care. We solicit your trial order 
for our Nos. 14, 24 and 38 pens, at 40 cents per gross in 15 and 
25 gross lots. We are confident that you can get no superior 
pen, and the low price at which they are offered is made to 
insure their introduction to the public. (138) 

Yours truly. 



20 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Messrs. Charles Landis & Co., 38. 

Syracuse, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

We would respectfully call your attention to our 
facilities for furnishing stock certificates and bonds. With 
an experience of over thirty years, we have no hesitancy in 
saying that if quality and appearance of work are con- 
sidered, our prices are lower than can be obtained elsewhere. 
We inclose a sample of certificate which we print, number, 
perforate, and bind substantially, with cloth sides and 
leather back, one hundred for $5 ; for each additional one 
hundred, |2 ; 50 cents extra if name of company is printed 
on back. In certificates, wherein we carry over forty 
designs, we can furnish one suitable for any business on the 
shortest notice, filling an 3^ reasonable order in three days' 
time. Bonds, in one or more colors, with from ten to sixty 
coupons, are supplied at very low prices. A good seal press 
can be furnished for $2 when ordered in connection with 
certificates, or for $3 if ordered separately. 

We respectfully solicit your patronage. If you are 
not ready to place your order, we trust you will preserve 
our sample and our letter for future reference. If you 
should favor us with your order, please fill out the blank 
below and return to us. (202) 

Yours truly, 



Rubber Goods. 



The Marple-Hamilton Company, 39. 

Jersey City, N. J. 
Gentlemen : 

We wish to confirm oral quotation of yesterday on 2J 
inch upper deck hose, coupled, quality same as that fur- 
nished you in April, 1903, made according to the U. S. Navy 



EuBBER Goods. 21 

specifications in force at that time, namely — 59 cents per 
foot, f. o. b. Washington, D. C. Our representative will be 
in your city on Thursday, and will call upon you to receive 
any orders with which we may be entrusted. 

Yours truly, (73) 

Messrs. P. T. Farger & Co., 40. 

Chicago, 111. 
Gentlemen : 

We desire to call your attention to our list of improved 
rubber toilet and bath brushes. Having manufactured these 
goods for the past fifteen years, and during that time greatly 
improved upon the original design, we are pleased to submit 
the following line and list prices : 

Nail Brush ...,..,.. $1.50 per dozen. 

Toilet Brush 2.00 " 

Beauty Brush 4.00 " 

Hand Brush 4.00 " 

Shampoo Brush 6.00 " 

Bath Brush 8.00 " 

Bath Mitten ., 8.00 '' 

We shall be very glad to hear from you in reply to 
this letter, when we will submit further prices by mail, or 
have our salesman call with samples and discounts. 

Yours very truly, (112) 

Messrs. G. K. Coleman & Co., 41. 

Easton, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We desire to state that our sample line of jar rings is 
now complete, and ask that you kindly advise us if you are 
ready to consider your requirements for the season of 1904. 
Our experience with rings in packages during the past three 
years has been sosatisfactory to jobber, dealer, and consumer 



22 Classified Commeecial Correspondence. 

that we have given this feature of the business most careful 
consideration, and now have an especially attractive line of 
such goods in convenient form for jobbing and retailing, 
which at 5, 10 and 15 cents per dozen cannot fail to interest 
you. We have also an improved system of packing bulk 
rings in barrels. 

Trusting to be favored with your reply, we are 

Yours very truly, (US) 

Mr. William Bates, 42. 

Terre Haute, Ind. 
Dear Sir : 

We are in receipt of the copies of correspondence 
regarding the allowance for steam hose claimed by Warner 
& Niblott. We have received the sample they returned, and 
have had it carefully examined by Mr. Jones and Mr. 
Kershaw. Both of these experts say that the hose is not 
defective. Mr. Jones states that the hose shows no defect 
in either material or construction, and that the only fault to 
be seen is that the tube has hardened. This, he says, will 
happen to any hose acted upon by steam, and for this reason 
many manufacturers refuse to guarantee steam hose. 

Though we have granted our customer's claim in this 
instance, we do not wish to make a precedent of this allow- 
ance. We wish, therefore, that you would take up this 
matter with Warner & Niblott, and explain that we do not 
regard the hose as defective. 

Yours truly, (146) 

Mr. Charles Foss, 43, 

Pottsville, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Having recently opened an office in this city at the 
above address, in order to provide facilities for quick com- 
munication and prompt personal attention to all matters 



Building Materials. 23 

pertaining to our Philadelphia business, we take this occasion 
to remind you that we are large manufacturers of rubber 
mats and matting, perforated and corrugated, molded and 
cut to measure, for all classes of service. We have numerous 
designs and patterns, and are prepared to make prices on all 
kinds of special work. 

Soliciting the opportunity of estimating upon your 
requirements in this line, we are 

Yours truly, (93) 



Building Materials. 

Mr. E. J. Cavendish, 44. 

Saginaw, Mich. 
Dear Sir : 

We understand that Neponset building papers have 
been specified on a building to be constructed by you, and 
have therefore inclosed you samples. We are agents in this 
city for this article, and should be pleased to make you our 
lowest prices on ascertaining from you the quantity that you 
will be likely to need. Neponset is unequal ed by any other 
building paper on the market. 

Awaiting your reply, we are (70) 

Yours truly, 

American Construction Co. , 45. 

Brockton, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to your inquiry of August 28, we are pleased 
to quote you on the list of 264 lights of single thick and two 
lights of double thick, for E. Berlin, Conn., $33 f. o. b. cars 
your city, estimating the single thick in 3d quality and the 
double thick in 2d quality. We should be pleased to fill the 



24 Classified Commercial Coreespondence. 

order, and could make immediate delivery. The glass is 
good Pittsburg tank glass. 

Thanking you for the inquiry, we are (81) 

Yours truly. 

The Staten Building Construction Co., 46. 

New York City. 
Dear Sirs : 

The following are shipped in car B, No. 94295, con- 
signed to us in your care, for dwelling in connection with 
the East Shore lighthouse : 

2100 pieces Spanish A tile 

32 '' " " tops 

65 '' : . " '' eaves 

180 '' No. 106 hip roll. 

Kindly inform us as soon as this car arrives. Please 
keep separate account of the time you spend in sorting tile ; 
that which is now at the building has been sorted once, and 
we did not suppose it would require handling again. 

Yours truly, (92) 

The Welsh Tile Mfg. Co., 47. 

Dayton, O. 
Dear Sirs : 

Please send a list of your stock to this office at once, 
so that we can get prices on it for some houses to be erected 
in Columbus. We wish you would also write us a brief 
description of each lot of old tile, stating how good or bad it 
is, and what the variation in color will be. We could use 
any of the following tile : glazed Spanish A ; glazed French 
B ; dark red French A ; Spanish B, dark color, old stock. 

We wish to send in an estimate early next week, and 
hope it will not inconvenience you to send the list promptly. 

Yours very truly, (105) 



Building Materials. 25 

Messrs. Chase & Floyd, 48. 

Bethlehem, Pa, 
Gentlemen : 

Inclosed please find original bill-of -lading for car 
^o. 85771, containing fifty squares Peach Bottom slate. The 
next car on this order will be shipped in a day or two, as the 
quarry now makes twelve squares per day, and will likely 
continue at this rate until the order is finished. 

We have credited your account with the cost of one 

€ar of slate, returned because of being less than J inch in 

thickness. We had hoped that this stock could have been 

worked in, but presume the inspector's objection could not 

be overruled. (87) 

Yours truly. 

The Lombard Manufacturing Co., 49. 

Bridgeport, Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

I have a copy of your inquiry forwarded by our 
company at Detroit, and would state that they have sent 
you a copy of our Moist Air Dry Kiln catalogue. If there 
is anything I can do to explain the system, I shall be very 
glad to comply on receipt of your request. 

As we understand that you have the contract for 
heating the fire houses in your city, we should be very much 
pleased to confer with you in regard to the boilers for this 
job. We are' aware that no special boilers were specified, 
and should like to know what preference you have in this 
line. Let us have an early reply at your convenience. 

Yours truly, (11'7) 

Mr. Michael Harden, 50. 

New Brunswick, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

In answer to your postal card, we will express to you 

to-day the piece of lead required, and fifty shanks like those 



26 Classified Commercial Coerespondence. 

previously sent, unless we can get shanks with the pitch of 
the porch. We shall also make up and send you by express 
one set of elbows for porch conductor. You do not say how 
many you need, but we think this will be enough to com- 
plete the job. We note your further request to send a boy 
to assist you with the work, but we are sorry to say that we 
have no one at present to send out. 

Trusting that you will be able to complete the metal work 
without assistance, we remain (11'7) 

Yours truly, 

TheCorry Iron Co., 51. 

Corry, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

You may enter our order for the 20 girders listed in 
your letter of the 9th inst., making a total length of run- way 
of 251^ 11^^, price to be $1.35 per hundred pounds f. o. b. 
your works. We shall need 22 columns of the full height 
of 20^ V^. Do not cut them off, as was done last year. 
We shall also expect this material to receive one coat of 
paint before leaving your works. Kindly send us the 
exact length of girders, as well as columns, so that we may 
start on our stone work at once. Let us know how soon 
you can ship. (113) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. A. E. Spreckles, 52. 

Seattle, Wash. 
Dear Sir : 

In response to your recent request for a sample of 
Woods' Steel Corner for Plaster Walls, we have pleasure in 
sending the same under separate cover. The list price for 
the material is 4 cents per lineal foot, subject to cash dis- 
count, as stated on the accompanying sheet. We allow to 
the trade a discount which brings the corner to a cost low 



Building Materials. 27 

enough to warrant its general use. The leading architects 
in almost every large city in the country are specifying this 
special make of steel corners because it is in every way 
satisfactory — neat, strong, sensible, and not costly. 

Awaiting your orders, we are (106) 

Very truly yours, 

Mrs. Henry Haddock, 53. 

Charleston, S. C 
Dear Madam : 

Agreeably to your request we have examined the roofs 
on your property, and find the main building roof to be in 
good condition, with the exception of some holes around 
flag-pole needing attention. The two back building roofs, 
however, need some general repairs — flanging walls and 
chimneys, placing tin around sill, and replacing ventilator. 
Our price for this work would be $25. The roofs should 
then be painted, at a cost of $11. 

Awaiting your favorable consideration of our estimate, 
we are Very truly yours, (84) 

Messrs. Hyde & Norris, 54. 

St. Joseph, Mo. 
Dear Sirs : 

We propose furnishing work in our line, as per plans 
and specifications, as follows : 

Four-ply slag roofing, guaranteed for ten years, with 
three-pound lead flashing against lantern and chimneys, 
four-pound lead apron on chimneys, lead eave pipes, gal- 
vanized iron wire strainers, three-inch galvanized corrugated 
spouts from lantern to main roof, I. C. tin on lantern sills, 
painted two coats, for the sum of $975. 

Awaiting your acceptance of our estimate, we are 

Very truly yours, (75) 



28 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Northwestern Door and Sash Co., 55. 

Erie, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Answering your inquiry of the 28th, we would say 
that our windows should be 4f in width and 6 J in length, 
wood over glass size. This we explained to you in our 
letter of January 22. In regard to the pulleys in frames, 
wherever sash are double-hung, the frames are to be made 
with the ]3ulleys in and the pockets cut. Frames for plain 
rail windows do not have pulleys or pockets in jambs. We 
have been accustomed to sending our orders as we sent this 
one to you ; but as this is the first frame order you have 
made for us, we should have explained more definitely. 
These frames, you understand, are in the kiln, and the 
pieces for each frame tied in a bundle, so that one bundle 
can be untied, and the frame put together. Please hurry 
this order as much as possible. (148) 

Yours truly, 



Messrs. William Cook & Son, 56. 

Batavia, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

We are shipping you to-day in same car with colonial 
columns 1,000 poplar spindles, Nos. 28 and 29, with a f pin 
top and bottom, length to shoulder 8^^ ; also, 1,000 poplar 
balusters, Nos. 24 and 25, with a f pin top and bottom, 20 ^^^ 
to shoulder. With these we send the six pine doors, 
2^^ 10^^ X 6M0^^, 5 panel, ordered August 3. The 1,000 
pine balusters booked at $30 we will send within the next 
few days. 

Kindly advise us as to the width of jambs you wish on 
window frames, and the width of transom bar of door frames. 



Advertising. 29 

If you are using sheathing, it will take a 5|^^ jamb. Also 
let us know how you wish cellar frames made. 

Please reply by return mail, that we may deliver this 
order promptly. (149) 

Yours truly. 



Messrs. Campbell Bros., 57. 

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

In answer to your letter of January 20, we would 
state that Philadelphia style of windows are made 4f ^^ in 
width and 6^^ in height, larger than glass size. Check 
rail windows for Philadelphia are made for f^^ parting strip ; 
New York, J^^'. Single sash, 6 lights, are made 3 lights wide 
and 2 high, with 2^^ rail four sides, unless order specifies 
3^^ bottom rail. In fact, all single sash are made this way, 
unless otherwise stated on order. We do not make any 
difference in the width of Philadelphia or New York style 
of single sash. New York windows are made 4^^ in width 
and 6^^ in height over glass sizes given. As you request, 
we will express to you to-day a sample of 3-light, 4-light and 
6-light sash. (142) 

Yours truly, 



Advertising. 

Ohio State Bar Association, 58 

Youngstown, O. 
Dear Sirs : 

Replying to your letter of the 14th inst., we wish to 
say that we will take one page in your Annual Report of 



30 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Proceedings for 1903 at $50, conditioned upon the prompt 
return of our electrotype (which goes to you by express 
to-day) together with two copies of the publication, with 
bill. 

Kindly acknowledge receipt of this order, and state 
when you expect to go to press. ( 70 ) 

Yours truly, 

The Moody Manufacturing Co. , 59. 

Des Moines, lo. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to your letter of the 12th, offering to exchange 
one of your $12.50 cabinets for advertising space in our 
magazine, we beg to say that if you will send us a circular 
of the cabinet you propose to exchange, we will consider 
the matter. We would suggest that, in the meantime, 
you get your cut and copy ready for an advertisement in the 
magazine, so that if we decide to accept your offer, the adver- 
tising material will be ready for immediate use. (86) 

Very respectfully yours, 

Messrs. Williamson Bros., 60. 

Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter of April 9 reached us in due season. You 
ask our understanding of the amount to be allowed on adver- 
tising account. Our proposition was to allow you $50 gross 
on your type purchased, or $45 net. For instance, if your 
order was for $135, your cash payment would be $85, after 
allowing $50 on advertising account, less 10 and 5 per cent. 

Trusting that this matter is now clear, and that we 
may have your authority to proceed with the order, we are 

Yery truly yours, ( 91 ) 



Advertising. 31 

The W. B. Franklin Co., 61. 

Troy, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

We find that the poultry suppply advertisement we 
are running is very much like that of Harvey Bros, of 
Buffalo. Though ^ve like the wording of our advertisement 
exceedingly, we think it would show to better advantage 
without the big border. Will you please have it set up in 
type with a plain line border around it ; this would give 
opportunity for a better display of type, and we think it 
would look just as well. Please have this change made for 
the December issue. (85) 

Very truly yours, 



Mr. John Trimble, 62. 

Lowell, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

Final arrangements have been made to start on a big 
scale in this city a magazine to be called the " Mapleson 
Monthly." It will be about the size and shape of the 
^ ' Ladies' Home Journal, ' ' illustrated handsomely, and it is 
proposed to sell it at ten cents a copy. We have purchased 
a large amount of advertising space at a very low price for 
the first few numbers, and will see that it reaches the best 
class of people. We should like to have jou join us as 
advertisers, and, regardless of cost, will make you a price 
for the Christmas number (to be issued early in December) 
of $20 for a half -page advertisement, or of $50 for three 
months. You can send order directly to us, or through your 
adv-ertising agent. 

Hoping for a favorable response, we are (142) 

Yours truly. 



32 Classified Commercial Coerespondence. 

Mr. William Peckham, 63. 

Quincy, 111. 
Dear Sir : 

As requested in your letter of the 1st inst., we will 
send you one of the posters and hold the remainder sub- 
ject to your instructions. Inclosed are four 21-inch adver- 
tisements for daily papers, in which we have used skirt 
illustrations. Others will follow as soon as the cuts are 
made showing the suits. Believing the advertisements will 
be just as effective with the borders we have selected, we 
have refrained from going to the expense of special drawn 
borders this year, and have thus saved that item of expense. 
The words " Sold by " are in these proofs but will be 
removed, as anything that the local dealers may wish to 
add will be beneath these electros, and such addition will be 
arranged and paid for by them. (129) 

Yours truly, 



Mr. Frank Graham, 64. 

Haverhill, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

We take pleasure in offering a suggestion for this 
season's advertising of your Institute. This plan provides 
for the insertion of your advertisements in the publications 
named,, for the period of five or six months. It permits an 
effective display in an eight-page advertisement — one inser- 
tion in '' Munsey's" and two in each of the other publica- 
tions ; and a quarter-page advertisement in which a cut of 
the building may be used — one insertion in each publica- 
tion. The cost of this plan approximates the cost of your 
advertising last year. We believe it to be more effective 
than the advertising plan of last year, and hope it will lead 



Advertising. 33 

to increased results. If you have a photograph of the build- 
ing taken in the summer-time, giving an idea of the grounds 
and foliage, we should be very glad to have it ; and if you 
would like to have the cut used, we will undertake the prep- 
aration of the half tone. 

Awaiting your pleasure, we are (165) 

Yours very truly, 



The " Rochester Advertiser,^' 65. 

Eochester, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

Owing to the advertisement in your paper we are 
receiving many inquiries, and are booking some orders. 
We believe this to be due to changing the ad. , and we trust 
you will give the same time and thought to the next series, 
to the end that we may, if possible, secure increased busi- 
ness. By to-day's mail we send you some booklets, which 
you can use if you care to do so. We also inclose you 
several envelopes, returned to us on account of the incor- 
rect addresses given on your weekly lists. We cannot tell 
whether these lists have been of any special service to us ; but 
we have written letters to a number of firms named therein, 
and shall so continue as long as you send us the list. 

We venture to suggest an improvement in the arrange- 
ment of this list, the name of the firm and the town being 
now too much separated. If it could be so rearranged and 
condensed that the reader's eye would immediately catch 
the important points, namely — the name, the address, and 
the line of business, the list would be far more valuable 
than in its present form. (195) 

Yours very truly. 



34 Classified Commekcial Correspondence. 

Liquors. 66. 

Mr. Henry B. Klein, 

Huntingdon, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

In answer to your request of the 1st inst. , we inclose 
herewith one of our price lists for your consideration. 

The price list of combination cases, which we generally 
offer to the trade during the month of December, will be 
ready about the first of next month, at which time we will 
mail you a copy. If there is anything in the inclosed list 
in the line of domestic goods that you would like to have at 
once, we will make you a reduction of 10 % on same, pro- 
viding the order is for a dozen or more bottles. All imported 
goods, however, are strictly net. 

Trusting to be the recipient of your valued order, and 
awaiting your further commands, we are (122) 

Kespectfully yours, 

Messrs. John Menker & Sons, 67. 

Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

We received the 40 barrels of port and the 10 barrels 
of sherry shipped on the 27th instant. Among the 40 barrels 
of port we find one barrel marked "Port," but containing 
Muscat wine. The gauge on this shipment agrees with your 
invoices. 

One of our drivers reports that there is still another 
barrel of wine, stencilled ' ' Port, ' ' at the Clyde Line pier, 
marked ' ' Diamond N, Philadelphia. " As we have received 
the full shipment of 50 barrels, there is evidently a mistake, 
your firm having shipped out 51 barrels instead of 50. If 
we can be of any service to you with regard to the disposition 
of this barrel, kindly advise us ; or, if you wish us to accept 
it, please send us an order. (1^5) 

Respectfully yours, 



Liquors. 35 

Mr. William Souderman, 68. 

Cumberland, Md. 
Dear Sir : 

In reply to your letter of the 31st ult., we beg to 
state that it is impossible at present to find on the market 
any guaranteed grade of sherry that could be bought at 
50 cents per gallon. The brandy manufacturing companies 
in the West have bought up all the cheaper and poorer 
grades of sherries, and are distilling them into brandies. We 
may possibly be able to get for you some Ohio sherry at 
about 55 cents per gallon, but we could not guarantee its 
strength, quality, or purity, as the sherries made in Ohio 
are of a grade much inferior to wines made elsewhere in the 
United States. The market has been very short of sherries 
for some time. The larger wine growers have formed a 
corporation, and are, at the present time, advancing this 
particular grade of wine. It is, therefore, impossible for us 
to quote now any better figure than that given in our letter 
of the 31st. (166) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Harrison & Wallace, 69. 

Louisville, Ky. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to your letter of the 6th inst., we would say 
that we could handle your goods in large quantities, pro- 
viding you would make it to our advantage to do so. We 
have a very strong hold upon our trade, and should wish 
absolute control in placing your gin in all cities visited by 
our representatives. In our own city we are regarded as 
one of the largest houses supplying wholesale, in addition to 
private, saloon, and cafe trade ; and should we undertake 
this agency it must be expressly understood that we retain 
control for a specified number of years. 



36 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

You, of course, fully appreciate the fact that the 
introduction of an article increases the expense account con- 
siderably, and that a quantity of your goods would have to 
be distributed among the trade in order to bring them 
prominently before the public. Please advise us v^hat you 
wish to do in the way of advertising in the daily and weekly 
papers. We understand that, in some of the large cities and 
towns which we reach, this class of goods is now being sold 
at $10.50 per case — that is, combination cases of 12 quarts 
and 12 half -pints. 

For further information regarding us, we beg to refer 
you to the Blackburn Distilling Co., Columbus, O., the 
Yintana Wine and Brandy Co., New York, and to Amos 
Berg & Sons, of this city, representatives of the United 
Distilleries. (239) 

Eespectfully yours. 



Dry Goods and Furnishings. 

Messrs. Newhall, Bland & Co., 70. 

New York. 
Gentlemen : 

We understand from Mr. Scott that No. 626 sheets 
ordered in July are still in the Custom House, although 
they were to have been shipped to us last week. We are 
extremely anxious to have these goods in order to fill a 
number of special orders. 

Please use every effort to hasten the delivery, and 
let us know by return mail when we may expect to receive 
them. ( 70) 

Veij truly yours, 



Dky Goods and Furnishings. 37 

Messrs. Russell & Birkett, 71. 

ReadiDg, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Your linen order, forwarded by our Mr. M. is at hand. 
We regret to say that we are entirely sold out of quality 24, 
8/12 cloths, pattern 306. We are also sold out of 5/8 nap- 
kins, pattern 279, and send you 22-inch, at $3.25. These, 
we trust, will meet with your approval. Quality 40 huck 
crash not being in stock at the present time, we will book 
your order and forward the goods immediately upon receipt. 

Thanking you for your order, we are (79) 

Yours respectfully. 

The Merrivale Manufacturing Co., 72. 

Pawtucket, R. I. 
Gentlemen : 

We have your letter of the 2d instant, stating that 
the bill sent us was a duplicate for a case shipped us some 
time ago. We have no record, however, of receiving a case 
corresponding with the inclosed bill. If you care to look it 
up further, please do so. 

We understand, according to your records, that you 
have no further unfinished orders for us. Will you, there- 
fore, please send us three pieces of 5/4 percale ; and B.ye 
pieces each of 8/4 and 10/4. Kindly let us know when we 
may expect to receive these, and oblige (103) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Wagner Brothers, 73. 

Geneva, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

Our traveler, Mr. Moss, has submitted samples of a 
huck crash, brown linen crash, and also a glass toweling. 
We regret to say that we have nothing in stock correspond- 
ing in quality to the samples sent, or at the price named. 



38 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

He also requested us to send you an exhibition of 
fancy line linens, etc. Since, at the present time, we have 
out some eight or ten lines, we are not in a position to com- 
ply with your request, being entirely out of our finer pieces 
in the Mexican and Japanese drawn work, also hand embroi- 
dered Irish goods. 

Kegretting our inability to comply with your request, 
we remain (1^8) 

Yours very truly, 

The Taber Manufacturing Company, 74. 

Meriden, Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

We send you this day, by freight, 24 pieces (598 
yards) of 20-inch figured buck, to be made up into scarfs, 
with hemstitching and widths of hems like your sample. 
The lengths desired are as follows : 

36 ins. long when finished, 5 dozen. 

Aty i i - ii II U o U 

ij^ li ii. U H o U 

Make up the remainder of the material into 54-inch scarfs. 
Please do not iron. The price you quote in your letter of 
November 19 is |1.25 per dozen for the 54-inch. We pre- 
sume the other lengths will vary somewhat in price. 

Please return the goods by freight as soon as they 
can be finished, and oblige (119) 

Yours truly. 



Mrs. David Blake, 75. 

Schenectady, N. Y. 
Dear Madam : 

In reply to your letter received to-day, it gives us 
pleasure to send you the various items so far as we are able 



Dey Goods and Fuenishings. 39 

to meet the order. The goods have been forwarded to you 
by express, charges prepaid. 

We had no Point d' Esprit boas, but we have sent 
you others, among which we trust you may find one to 
please you. We are not sure that we understand your 
inquiry about the lace frill. If you refer to the Duchess 
flounce, the price would be $75 per yard ; the length which 
we have is 6^ yards. The price which we quote is con- 
siderably reduced, and is the lowest we shall be able to 
accept. As you no doubt know, this quality of lace could 
not be imported for so low a price. (134) 

Very truly yours, 

Mrs. Walter Hackett, 76. 

Cincinnati, O. 
Dear Madam : 

We have received from you curtains to be laundered, 
as per the following list : 

3 pairs Rennaissance Lace 
3 " Point Lace 
3 '' Arabian Sash 
2 '' Dotted Muslin 
2 '' Tamboured Lace 

We have insured these for §50, which insurance we assume ; 
any further insurance will cost you at the rate of $1.50 on 
$100 worth. 

We regret to report that the two pairs of Tamboured 
lace curtains are in such bad condition that it will be neces- 
sary to have them repaired before they are laundered. 
The cost of repairs will be $3.50. Shall we do this work, 
or return the curtains to you for repairs? Kindly let us 
hear from you by return mail. (120) 

Very truly yours, 



40 Classified Commercial Coeeespondence. 

Mrs. C. H. Weston, 77. 

Waltham, Mass. 
Dear Madam : 

We will furnish and put up the ruffled net bed 
drapery of the material selected, including ribbon bows for 
looping, and furnish the necessary wood tester frame put up 
on the wall for §29.50. We understand that you are to 
furnish the silk serge for the background lining and the fill- 
iDg in of the sunburst. This will require 16 yards of 244nch 
material. 

Inclosed are samples of China silk used in the light 
weight wool quilts. The figured quilts, with plain border 
(5-inch) cost §13.50 each. Bound with satin ribbon, a very 
attractive finish, they cost $15 each. If any of the inclosed 
samples suit you, kindly let us know and we will finish the 
quilt as soon as possible. 

Trusting that these quotations will meet with your 
approval, we are (136) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Goodwin & Jones, 78. 

Dover, N. H. 
Gentlemen : 

We have on back order for you 50 dozen of our No. 
40, 18 X 34 huck towels. We received to-day an invoice of 
these goods, but found that they all had white borders. We 
immediately telephoned to the mill for red borders, and 
they will be sent in about ten days from date. Shall we 
ship you the white borders immediately, or would you pre- 
fer waiting until the red ones are received? 

We regret to say that we are unable to fill your order 
for nine pieces of No. 24 bleached damask and eight pieces 
of cream damask, as these are our new designs and will not 



Dey Uoods and Fuenishings. 41 

land in this country until December 1. We have booked 
your order and will ship the first week in December. 

Trusting this will be satisfactory to you, and thank- 
ing you for your order, we remain (142) 
'• Yours respectfully, 

Messrs. Riggs & Green, 79. 

Kansas City, Mo. 
Gentlemen : 

We regret to say that the two spreads returned to us 
are damaged through no fault of ours. Our shipper reports 
that when the goods were packed and sent to your store- 
house they were in perfect condition. Examination of the 
goods indicates that they have been subjected to some damp- 
ness, and we are absolutely certain that this could not have 
occurred while in our hands without coming under the notice 
of our inspector. We are, therefore, unable to allow your 
claim, and return the spreads by express to-day. 

With regard to the blanket order, we have decided 
to make a case of 25 pairs, as suggested in your letter of the 
3d, and will therefore ship immediately 10 pairs of blue and 
15 pairs of pink Auglaize plaid blankets, 72 x 84, cut and 
bound. 

Thanking you for this order, we remain ( 142 ) 

Yours truly, 

Mrs Caroline Stuart, 80. 

Toronto, Canada. 
Dear Madam : 

We wish to announce that Mr. Felix Armand is now 
in charge of our Ladies' Custom Tailoring Department. Mr. 
Armand has been so prominent in ladies' tailoring that we 
need make no comment upon what is to be expected of this 
department. We are prepared to make to your order, in 
the best manner, tailored suits, coats, ulsters, capes, riding 



42 Classified Commercial Coebespondence. 

habits, etc. We make a specialty of walking and traveling 
suits. With a corps of finest tailors, and with unequaled 
facilities, we can guarantee absolute satisfaction to all our 
patrons. Our styles are the newest, and our original designs 
are models of taste and elegance. The prices we name are 
surpassingly low for such workmanship. 

We solicit your patronage, feeling sure a trial will 
convince you of the merits of this special department. An 
inspection of our sample garments, we think, would interest 
you. (145) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Woodruff & Nixon, 81. 

Salt Lake City, Ut. 
Gentlemen : 

We received to-day a letter from our Mr. Synne, 
requesting us to ship you ^ve pieces of 58-inch mercerized 
damask, at 42-1/2 cents net ; or, if unable to ship, to notify 
you at once when we could do so. We regret to say that we 
are entirely sold out of this number, and have no prospect 
of its duplication. The deliveries on Austrian mercerized 
damask have been exceedingly slow, and for this reason we 
are not open to receive any further business at the present 
time. 

In reference to Mexican drawn work we would say 
that we are shipping you to-day Nos. 410 and 420, and will 
send the remainder, unless otherwise ordered, immediately 
upon receipt. As this linehas been scarce and the deliver- 
ies slow, we cannot promise any exact date of shipment ; 
but every effort will be made to send the goods at the earliest 
possible date. 

Regretting our inability to make you a complete 
shipment, we remain (166) 

Yours respectfully, 



Coal. 43 

Mrs. W. B. Powell, 82. 

Hartford, Conn. 
Dear Madam : 

Our prices for renovating your library furniture are 
herewith submitted for consideration : 

Re-upholstering and covering lounge, pillow, arm-chair, 
antique chair, and footstool — 

Labor for all, |45 00 
These pieces will require to cover them : 

10 J yds. 50^^ material at $13.00, 136 50 

2 J '' e^'' fringe "3.00,. 7 00 

18 '' gimp " .12 J, 2 25 
Re-upholstering and covering spindle arm-chair — 

Labor, 10 00 

Material, 6 yds. 28^'' plush at $6.00, 36 00 
Re-covering two footstools — 

Labor, 3 00 

Material, IJ yds. velour at |2.50, 3 75 

Repairing and refinishing the frames, 15 00 

$258 50 

"We trust that this estimate will meet with your 
approval. (130) 

Yours truly, 



Coal. 

Columbus Mill & Mine Supply Co., 83. 

Columbus, O. 
Gfentlemen ; 

Please ship us by freight via Konova : 1 case coke- 
valves, No. 3 ; 1 case coke-nipples to match valves ; 12 
lengths red coke hose, corrugated, regular length ; 1 dozen 



44 Classified Commekcial Coreespondence. 

scraper heads, broad blade. Also ship with above order, 
one larrj jack, as per description sent you by your salesman, 
Mr. Brown. 

Please hurry this order, as our stock of these goods 
is very low. ( 65 ) 

Respectfully, 

Messrs. Thomas Ray nor & Sons, Agents, 84. 

London, England. 
Gentlemen : 

In reference to coal supplied by the MacMillan Coal 
Co., Boston, I would say that the steamer " Victoria " was 
coaled by us at Boston, January 2d last, with 600 tons of 
bituminous coal, which proved to have first-class steaming 
and good lasting qualities. We have burned less of this 
coal than any other American coal that has been used on 

this vessel. - (64) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Thomas Woodson, C. E., 85. 

Norfolk, Va. 
Dear Sir : 

We should like you to come to our mines to-morrow 

and run some centres at the new drift. The mules and mining 

cars, in running along entries and headings, have broken off 

the centre spads so that we cannot tell how to direct our 

work. If I am not there when you arrive, report to Mr. 

Kershaw, who will be at No. 8 cross, main heading, and who 

will give any information and assistance you need. (77) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Fox & Carter, 86. 

Johnstown, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 31st, 
requesting us to ship 20 cars of our coal to James Conroy, 



Coal. 45 

Harrisburg, Pa. This we will try to send promptly, but we 
cannot guarantee absolutely any specified date of shipment, 
as at this time the car supply is limited. In accordance 
with our letter of November 26, this coal will be $6.75 
delivered at Harrisburg, or $4 a gross ton f. o. b. cars at the 
mines. 

Thanking you for the order and assuring you of our 
best efforts in your behalf, we are (97) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Allison & Sons Co., 87. 

Belvidere, N. J. 
Gentlemen : 

Acknowledging receipt of your letter of the 10th, we 
wish to say that we cannot contract for a year's coal supply ; 
neither can we guarantee prompt delivery, owing to the 
limited car supply at our service. If we should do business 
with you, our coal would arrive over the line of the P. E. R. , 
and we cannot fill your orders on a sliding basis. Car 
supply is to-day, we regret to say, worse than ever and we 
are, like everyone else, in a quandary as to what the out- 
come will be. 

Regretting that we cannot give you more valuable 
information, we are (104) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Walters, Fry & Co., 88. 

Passaic, N. J. 
Gentlemen : 

We have your letter of the 22d inst. in reference to 
our shipping you a greater percentage of foundry coke than 
furnace. We telegraphed you this morning the number of 
cars shipped last week, and the number shipped to-day. 



46 Classified Commercial Coreespondence. 

Our instructions to the ovens are to run furnace coke four 
days every week, if it is possible to do so ; but owning to 
accumulation of coke on the wharf, we have been unable to 
draw ovens and consequently have been making more 
foundry coke. (85) 

Respectfully yours. 

The Columbia Coal Mining Co., 89. 

New York. 
Gentlemen : 

We have your letter of the 2d inst. asking us to 
send instructions to Hoboken to load the steam barge 
"" Harriet " with 200 tons of coal for Jacob Johnson, Long 
Island. We note that you wish the bills of lading to read, 
*' Freight 80 cents per ton alongside, captain to do hoisting, 
consignees to furnish tubs and shovelers. ' ' We will see 
that these instructions are carried out to the best of our 
ability. (74) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Ensell & Hibbert, 90. 

Trenton, N. J. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter of the 21st inst. was received. We have 
instructed the ovens to discontinue shipments of coke to the 
Trenton Iron Co. , until further advised. We have asked 
the railroad to transfer the car shipped on the 4th to these 
people, and will advise you as soon as they reply. The car 
of coke shipped you on February 20 we are having traced, 
and as soon as we receive any information regarding it, we 
will let you hear from us. (81) 

Very truly yours, 



Coal. 47 

Messrs. Paul Jolinson & Co. , 91. 

Lebanon, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

We acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 29th. 
This morning we telegraphed that we had shipped you a car 
on Tuesday, and we will try to hurry it forward. We feel 
sure that you appreciate the condition of the soft coal bus- 
iness at the present time, a condition occasioned by the 
lack of car supply and slow movement on the line of road. 
We will do everything possible to keep you supplied and 
will ship you another carload just as soon as we receive a 
suitable car. 

Thanking you for your kindness in entrusting your bus- 
iness to our care, we are (103) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Myers & Polk, 92. 

Lancaster, Pa. 

Gentlemen : 

Replying to your letter of the 29th, inclosing letter 

from Brown, Sloan & Co., we would say that we are very 

much surprised to hear of the result of the analysis of the 

two cars of coke, and cannot understand how the sulphur 

can run so high. We have been shipping them some stock 

coke, but this cannot account for the large amount of 

sulphur. We have taken this matter up with the ovens and 

asked them to report to us. As soon as we hear from them 

we will advise you. (92) 

Very truly yours, 

The Booker Stove Works, 93. 

Pottsville, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter of the 5th inst. received. We are sorry to 
hear that the car of coal shipped you did not prove satisfac- 
tory. The coal is from the Miller Vein, which is considered 



48 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

the best grade of coal mined in the Cambria and Clearheld 
regions. Thousands of tons of the same coal are shipped 
every month, and we assure you that very few complaints 
are received. You understand, of course, that it is impos- 
sible to keep coal entirelj^ free from slate, although it should 
not be in sufficient quantity to interfere with the use of the 
coal. The matter has been referred to our mine superinten- 
dent, and in your future orders, we will see that nothing but 
the very best coal is shipped to you. ( 126) 

Very truly, 

Delivery Department, N. & W. E. R., 94. 

Wheeling, W. Ya. 
Gentlemen : 

Your statement of hoppers delivered to our operation 
during the month of JMarch received this morning. We note 
that you have us rated as having received our regular allow- 
ance of hoppers. While the supply of cars through the field 
has been rather light, we do not think we have received our 
share, and, therefore, should not be rated as having received 
them. The fault, we think, lies in the fact that you have 
not given us credit for the new ovens just put in blast. 
Your inspector was here about April 1, and we thought he 
had reported our new ovens in time for credit on last 
month ' s statemen t. 

Trusting that the error may be corrected, and that 
this month's supply will not be cut short, we are (128) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Curran & Bullitt, 95. 

Covington, Ky. 
Dear Sirs : 

We are in receipt of your tissue report of coal handled 
by you for us, for the last month. Weights, number of 



Real Estate. 49 

cars, and dates of delivery check accurately. We note your 
remarks attached in regard to the presence of too much slack 
and dirt in the coal. This we cannot account for. If we 
had known that too much slack was being loaded, we would 
have put finer screen bars in the tipple, but at no time during 
the month has the daily report of our tipman at the top of 
the chute, or your inspector at the bottom, shown that the 
coal was dirty. It is true that on one or two days a little 
sulphurous coal was loaded, but that was soon discovered 
and stopped. You may have seen the red ash coal loaded in 
the early part of the month and thought it bad coal, as this 
red ash coal sometimes looks very much like boney. 

We are sorry to have this report filed against us as we 
feel that the error is not ours. Will you not correct the 
same and send us duplicate? (189) 

Yours very truly, 



Real Estate. 



Messrs. Field, Parsons & Co., 96. 

Albany, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

Replying to your letter of the 6th inst., we would 
say that the houses particularly referred to are Nos. 2400 to 
2438 Sutton Street. They are to be sold clear of incum- 
brance, and are all rented at $12 per month. If you could 
secure an offer of 1 1,500 net to us, we would sign an agree- 
ment of sale, provided an early settlement could be effected. 

If there is any further information that you desire, 
we shall be pleased to furnish it upon request. (89) 

Yours very truly, 



50 Classified Commercial Coerespondence. 

Mr. Charles Dumont, 97. 

Savannah, Ga. 
Dear Sir : 

Some time ago we had offered to us a row of houses 
on Winter Street, which we understand you have since pur- 
chased. At that time we had no inquiries for them, but we 
now have a person interested in their purchase. If you will 
name the lowest cash price that you will accept, together 
with full particulars regarding assessments, rentals, size of 
lots, incumbrances, etc. , we will confer with our client. 
The houses were offered to us at a low price, and no proposi- 
tion would now be considered unless they could be bought 
at a low figure. 

Awaiting your reply, we are (103) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. Amos Wilson, 98. 

Toledo, O. 
Dear Sir : 

We hereby confirm our telephone conversation with 
you of this date, stating that the purchaser of premises 315 
S. Forest Street would prefer to make settlement for the 
same on Monday, the 15th inst., and requests that you have 
all papers ready by that time. Will you kindly advise us 
what company is insuring the title, the number of your 
application, and also what hour of the day will be most con- 
venient to you to make this settlement, in order that there 
may be no conflict with any of our other settlements. 

Awaiting your reply in this connection, we remain 

Yours very truly, (HO) 

Mr. Michael French, 99. 

Lincoln, 111. 
Dear Sir : 

Mr. John Smith has permitted me to use his name in 
writing you relative to the proposed sale of the ground, 



Keal Estate. 51 

formerly your brick yards, situated between 22d and 26th 
Streets, north of Madison. Our company now owns a row 
of twenty-four houses on Balsam Avenue, in this immediate 
neighborhood ; and as you are well aware of our responsi- 
bility and standing in the real estate world, I trust that you 
will permit us to act as your agents should you think of 
placing this property on the market. We will advertise it 
through the newspapers, as well as by large signs on the 
property, and will charge you 1 per cent, on the gross sell- 
ing price, should you give us the exclusive control. 

Trusting that we may have an early and favorable 
reply, we are (136) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. W. H. Sanderson, 100. 

Binghamton, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to your letter of the 26th inst., we would 
say that the houses at 15th Street and Westminster Avenue 
are built with a view to the comfort and convenience of the 
tenant, and no expense has been spared to make the appoint- 
ments perfect. All who have carefully examined these 
houses and compared them with others say that they are 
among the finest ever built for renting purposes. They are 
in two sizes. The larger ones contain 26 rooms, including 
four tiled bathrooms, and rent for $1,500 per annum, less 5 % . 
These are all corner houses, with perfect light and ventilation. 
The smaller houses are duplicates of the larger ones in all but 
the size. These contain 16 rooms, with two tiled bathrooms, 
and rent for $750 and |800 per annum, less 5%. 

We shall be pleased to show you these properties 
whenever you may be in the city, and to give you any 
further particulars you may request. (174) 

Respectfully yours, 



52 Classified Commercial Corresponden'ce. 

Mr. Henry Francks, 101. 

Newark, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

We have sold, subject to your approval, property No. 
913 Willard Street, for $4,900, on the following terms : 
$500 cash ; $900 second mortgage, payable in monthly 
installments of $25 each ; and $3, 500 first mortgage at 5 per 
cent., to remain with the understanding that you give a 
guarantee that the same will not be called until after the 
term of the second mortgage. You are to convey the property 
by good and sufficient deed, with all adjustment of taxes, 
water rents, etc. , made to January 1 next, and are also to 
pay for the title insurance as well as for the drawing of all 
papers. In other words, the property is not to cost the pur- 
chaser more than $4,900. The adjustment of taxes and 
water rent will not amount to much, as the settlement will 
be made up to January 1, the purchaser not taking posses- 
sion until that time. 

If these terms are satisfactory to you, we shall be 
glad to be so advised before noon to-morrow, that we may 
have the necessary agreements of sale prepared and executed 
by the purchaser. We have a deposit of $100 on account of 
the purchase of the property, for which we have given a 
receipt, pending your approval of the terms. (222) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. Frank B. Neall, 102. 

Sandusky, O. 
Dear Sir : 

Relative to our conversation concerning the financial 
status of the proposed apartment house, my suggestion is 
that, as per plans, we have 318 renting rooms. These rooms, 
on the basis of rents received at other apartment houses, 
should bring you at least $50 per month in that location, or 



Real Estate. 53 

$190,800 per annum. The operating expenses, taxes, water 
rents, etc., should amount to $67,500, leaving the net 
revenues from rentals $123,300. This is without reckoning 
the profits from dining-room and cafe, or the two private 
first floor suites. The high situation, private lawns, porches, 
and quiet surroundings will make the house one of the most 
attractive in the city for family use. You will see that it 
will be possible to run the house half full and still have 10 
per cent, on your investment, or to run full at double 
expense with a return of 1 2 per cent. With good manage- 
ment, it would seem to be an excellent proposition to any 
one with sufficient capital to put it through, and I can see 
no reason to question its practicability. I am sure that we 
can complete it vv^ithin our figures, and I have confirmed our 
expense and renting estimates, in a number of cases, by 
comparison with houses lacking many of the attractions this 
one will offer. (228) 

Yery truly yours, 

Mr. Alfred Hoover, 103. 

Watertown, N. Y. ■ 
Dear Sir : 

Mr. Dilks, of Plattsburg, the agent employed by me 
in acquiring properties for overhead bridges on the line of 
the new railroad, has been notified that his services will not 
be any longer required in this connection. He worked for 
me about a month and a half, a total of 40 days. While 
doing this work he incurred expenses amounting to $38.14, 
for railroad fare, car fare, etc. He also asks, and I think 
reasonably, that he be remunerated for the time spent on 
this work. I therefore suggest that we pay him for these 
40 days, at the rate of $2 per day, making a total bill of 
$118.14. If you are favorable to this and will so advise me, 
I will prepare a voucher in his favor for this amount of 



54 Classified Commeecial Correspondence. 

money. His work, I think, was done in a very satisfactory 
and prompt manner, as the titles in that section are very 
complicated, and it takes a good deal of time to search the 
records, etc., and to go over the books of the assessors to 
determine the real ownership of the properties in question. 
His successor, Mr. William Gunning, being in the 
real estate business in a large way in Ogdensburg, is very 
well acquainted with the people there, and, knowing all the 
leading politicians, is well fitted for this work. (234) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Peter Clymer, 104. 

Camden, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to your inquiry of the 30th ult. , we desire 
to submit for your consideration premises 210 Plain Street, 
a two-story, porch front, brick dwelling, containing eight 
rooms, reception hall, laundry, and all conveniences, includ- 
ing open grates, the latest improvements, and hardwood 
throughout. The lot is 18 x 75 feet. We will sell this 
house for $3,000 on the following plan : 

First mortgage at 5% $2,000 

Second mortgage at 6%, payable 

$100 per annum 900 

Cash 100 

$3,000 

You will note that we require a cash payment of only $100, 
the balance to be paid at the rate of $100 per annum. We 
will accept it in annual, semi-annual, or quarterly pay- 
ments, to suit your convenience. The yearly expenses would 
be: 



Peovisions. 55 

Taxes . $33 

Water rent 14 

Interest on first mortgage 100 

Interest on second mortgage (1st year) . 54 
Installment on second mortgage .... 100 

1301 

This would average $25 per month, and in nine years you 
would own the property, subject to only $2,000. The first 
mortgage interest is payable in semi-annual installments to 
the holder of the same. The taxes are to be paid to the city 
before the first of September each year, and the water rent 
before the first of June. The second mortgage interest 
and installments are then paid to us as arranged. We 
would adjust the charges for the current year at the time of 
settlement, so that you would have to pay for the remainder 
of the year only. 

We shall be pleased to have 3^ou inspect the property 
*at your convenience, and our representative will call in a 
few days and explain any details that you may wish to know. 

Yours very truly, ( 297) 



Provisions. 

Messrs. Thomas Baines & Sons, 105. 

Cayuga, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of your letter of recent date, calling 
attention to some fall-made cheese, described as strictly fancy. 
If it is full cream, uncolored, and not too highly flavored, 
you may send samples of ten boxes at the price you named, 
f. o. b. Philadelphia ; but if it is not in good condition, free 
from mold, and perfectly solid, do not send sample, as we 
use only high grade, fancy goods. 

Awaiting your reply and action, we are (81) 

Yours truly. 



56 Classified Commeecial Coerespondence. 

Mr. B. J. Hart, 106. 

Albion, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

We regret that we have heard nothing from you 
lately. No improvement can be noted in the apple market 
as yet, and comparatively little business has been done since 
you left here. There are 44 cars and parts of cars at Fairhill 
Station, besides several cars at the Royden Street terminus. 
Our cabbage market is slow at $8 to $10, with some fancy 
stock at $10 and over. 

We should like to hear from you occasionally, with 
news from your part of the State, and will try to inform you 
often concerning our affairs at this end. (101 ) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Rainford, Cole & Co., 107. 

Knoxville, Tenn. 
Gentlemen : 

We wish to quote you Imperial Russian raisins at 
$4 per box, Royal Buckingham at $3, and Connoisseur 
Clusters at $2 ; also, Ne Plus Ultra soft shell almonds at 
15 cents per lb. The 25 boxes of New Royal seedless raisins 
we are saving for you at 6 cents per lb., as well as 4 cases of 
lemon peel, in 10 lb. boxes, at 8 cents per lb. This is very 
cheap for the grade offered. We expect to have a car of 
new 50's Santa Clara prunes arrive early in the week, and 
we will make a quotation after the goods are unloaded. 

Yours truly, (107) 

Messrs. William Kemble & Sons, !08. 

Parkersburg, W. Va. 
Gentlemen : 

We have just examined the three cars of potatoes in 
the yards at Second and Madden Streets. One of the cars 
may be called strictly fancy, as the stock is good size, smooth. 



Provisions. 57 

round, and sightly. The other two cars do not come up to 
the standard. One of them is long stock, not uniform in size, 
and very rough ; the other is entirely too large. Many of 
the potatoes are hollow in the middle, and show some disease. 
We are therefore compelled to reject these two cars, but will 
purchase the first one if you will make the price one cent 
under your quotation. If you will let us have this car, 
advise us promptly, and oblige (118) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Walter Short, 109. 

Dover, Del. 
Dear Sir : 

Owing to the excited condition of the market, we have 
decided to withdraw the ' ' Canned Sifted June Peas ' ' for 
the present, with a view of putting our own labels on the 
small remainder of peas now on hand. Prices for new goods 
are already 15 cents higher than we have been paying ; in 
fact, we have bought 500 cases of '^Standard Early Junes " 
at 75 cents, Philadelphia, and 500 cases New York packing 
of the same grade at same price, both for delivery when 
packed. The sugar market is in rather better condition, and 
an advance is expected within the next week or ten days. 

Trusting that you may be having some success in 
your introductory trip, we remain (120) 

Very sincerely yours, 

Messrs. O. B. Styer & Co., 110. 

York, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We are in receipt of three sample lots of butter, as 
stated in your letter of the 10th inst. After examining the 
same, we regret to say that the samples do not grade extra- 
ordinarily, and none can be called fancy. One of the samples 



58 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

has a fishy flavor, and the body is not up to the standard ; 
another lacks color, and is too highly salted ; while the 
third has a very old flavor, and is much too light in color. 
The packages in all of these lots are damaged, dirty and 
unsightly, and, at the price you named, we are compelled to 
reject all of the lots. It would require a concession of from 
one to three cents per pound to interest us at all. 

Very truly yours, (125) 

The Wilbur Fox Co., III. 

Tampa, Fla. 
Dear Sirs : 

We have just inspected the cargo of lemons which 
arrived here yesterday. One mark, ^^ D. P. Z., '^ we find to 
be satisfactory, as they are good size, smooth, round and^ 
good color. Another mark, '^ J. B.'' is not satisfactory, as 
they are discolored, rough, and not uniform in size. The 
third mark, "S. S.," will show a very heavy loss, as there 
appears to be disease in them, and the boxes seem to be too 
small to contain 360' s. In the present condition of the 
markets we do not think it advisable to buy heavily, and will 
take one-half of the '' D. P. Z. " at 5 cents per box less than 
the price named. If this is satisfactory, bill them to us. 
Send warehouse receipt, and we will haul. (131) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Harry Price, 112. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We are obliged for your letter of the 21st instant. 
The experience we have had with the Fitch Roaster has 
been, in the main, entirely satisfactory. As the machine is 
equipped only for dry roasting, it is not capable of as good 
results, to the eye, on the lower grades of coffees, especially 
Santos. We find, however, that the cup qualities of coffees 



Peovisions. 59 

roasted by this process are decidedly superior. We have 
inclosed your note of inquiry to Mr. Fred. Magens, the 
president of the company at Madison, who is also in the 
wholesale grocery business, and who is thoroughly practical 
in all his ideas regarding what the machine is capable of 
doing. If there are any details in connection with its use 
upon which you would care to have our experience, we shall 
be glad to inform you. (140) 

Very respectfully, 

Mr. John D. Frame, 113. 

Scran ton, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We regret to note that we did not include your com- 
mission of J cent per lb. in our last remittance, but we will 
see that this amount is included in our next check. We 
acknowledge receipt of bill of lading for 71 boxes of cheese, 
shipped by the Bradfoid factory on the 8th, and 50 boxes 
from the Parish Center factory yesterday, these to be settled 
for on the basis of to-morrow's highest price for white goods, 
as given in the New York ' ' Bulletin. " It is important that 
the cheese be marked on top and bottom with the words 
'^FuU Cream," and the maker's name. If you will send a 
few small cheese among your shipments, we are willing to 
pay a premium for them. If the Bradford factory cares to 
fill a few small hoops, enough to make ^-40 lb. goods, it 
would be ample for the present. We will remit for the 
cheese on the way as soon as it arrives and is tested. 

Yours truly. (171) 

Mr. T. A. James, 114. 

Greensboro, N. C. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter of the 1st at hand. We are willing to 
pay you a commission of 10 cents per barrel and bill the 



60 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

apples by rail to the people who ordered them, provided you 
are willing to guarantee that the bills will be paid. Of 
course, in case of rejection for any cause, we could hardly 
ask you to be responsible ; but we should wish you to adjust 
any differences that might arise. You understand, we pre- 
sume, that most of our apples are in cold storage, and in 
order to put them in proper shape, we should like you to 
give us notice of a day or two, especially if the order is large. 
Just at present we have to offer Paxson Eome Beauties at 
$2.50. We have other Rome Beauties from good stock at 
$2.15, and some very fine Fallowaters at $2.40. We also 
have some good Spies, Baldwins, Ben Davis, and other 
varieties, upon which it is difficult to give you definite 
quotations until we look over our stock. The prices given 
you are net, less your commission of 10 cents per barrel. 

Yours truly, (191) 

The Merchants' Ice Co., 115. 

Ashland, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter of the 29th ult. at hand, with paid freight 
bills from the P. R. R., for cars No. 95657 and No. 95455, 
and lists of three cars of apples unloaded. Inclosed we hand 
you lists of three cars of apples ; also bill of lading for car 
P. W. B., No. 1940. This car will be on the P. R. R., and 
is consigned to the shipper, who has indorsed it over to me. 
I have ordered the railroad company to deliver it to you. 
The list of varieties calls for 174 barrels, but the bill of 
lading calls for but 150. We want the contents of this car 
placed in one pile, in Room No. 6, and in such position that 
we can get at it when it is wanted. 

You will, I hope, load all these cars carefully and 
promptly, put them in the rooms designated, and see that 
they are handled with as much care as possible. It is better 



Peoyisions. 61 

not to unload cars until you get lists for them. The cars 
arrive sometimes before we get invoices, but we always 
forward them promptly to you as soon as we see them. 

Yours truly, (202) 

Mr. G. W. Agnew, 116. 

Lyons, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

We were very glad to receive your letter of the 2d. 
There was, indeed, a speculative fever last fall which raised 
the price of the commodities in which we deal — onions and 
apples especially. 

Our apple market has been crowded with poor stock 
for two or three weeks past, the prices ranging from $1.00 to 
$1.25 for poor, $1.50 to $1.75 for fair to good, and up to 
$2.50 for fancy. The week closes with a good many apples 
unsold. When you talk about buying apples every day for 
$1.00, do you mean for the fruit alone, or are the barrels 
included ? 

The onion trade has been very dull and unsatisfactory 
all this week. Many of those coming have been very poor, 
hard to sell, and low in price. We herewith inclose sales 
and check to balance car No. 14785. Had we put in the 
proper charges for labor on this car, the loss would have 
been about $14.75 each, instead of $4.75. 

The cabbage market is also dull. Prices range from 
$8 to $10 per ton. Your second car is here, somewhat frozen, 
but my man thinks not badly. There is no occasion to 
hurry more forward, for it is easy to block our market. 
However, I believe some good stock will sell later on. 

Kindly acknowledge receipt of check inclosed, and 
oblige (241) 

Yours truly. 



62 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Educational. 

Mr. Paul Hallowell, 117. 

Xenia, O. 
Dear Sir : 

We thank you for your letter of September 27, and 
we have written to Miss Virginia Null to explain that our 
offer was to provide for her tuition fees only. Students who 
enter upon laboratory work are expected to make personally 
the necessary deposits. We have requested Miss Null to 
confer with the Registrar and make the necessary arrange- 
ments, and have passed the bill for $50, the amount of the 
tuition fees in volved. ( 75 ) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Charles Rolfe, I! 8. 

Providence, R. I. 

Dear Sir : 

Complying with your request, I send to you under 

separate cover in to-day's mail a copy of our latest general 

catalogue, in which you will find detailed information 

regarding the courses offered in the various departments of the 

University. I should be glad to have you read the catalogue 

carefully, and to write me if you desire further information 

regarding our work. (62) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. L. S. Eidman, 119. 

Oswego, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

We have no course outlined to prepare a student for 
Civil Service examinations. Many of the subjects required 
in the Civil Service examinations are taught in the courses 
offered in our Commercial Department, circular for which 



Educational. 63 

is sent you under separate cover ; you will see by this cir- 
cular that Arithmetic and English are among the subjects 
taught in the course in Bookkeeping. (62) 

Yours tKuly, 

Mrs. O. T. Gerry, 120. 

Northampton, Mass. 
Dear Mrs. Gerry : 

I send you under separate cover a circular of our 
€Ourses in Domestic Science. The first lesson of the General 
Course in Cookery will be given on Monday, October 2, 
from ten to eleven a. m. If you wish to enter the class, you 
should make application before that date. 

Miss Beeton, Director of the Department of Domestic 
Science, tells me that if application is made to the Women's 
College, 18 Jefferson Street, Worcester, full information can 
be obtained regarding the Home Economics Exhibit. (84) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. James McCord, 121. 

Vincennes, Ind. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to your recent communication, I send you 
Tinder another cover the pamphlets on Information as to 
Entrance Examinations, and announcement of the Schools 
of Applied Science, together with the special announce- 
ments of the Division of Mining and Metallurgy, of Chem- 
istry, and of Civil, Sanitary, Electrical and Mechanical 
Engineering. 

Should there be any points upon which you need 
further information, I hope that you will communicate 
again with this office regarding them. (72) 

Respectfully, 



64 Classified Commeecial Cokeespondence. 

Mr. Albert Cochran, 122. 

Ithaca, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

Ashville has recently established a Public Library in 
a building erected and equipped for that purpose. There is 
a nucleus of 1500 volumes. We wish the library catalogued 
at once, and if we can secure the right person to do this, she 
may be given a permanent position as librarian. Hence, she 
should be a woman of tact, self-possession, culture, and wide 
knowledge. Can you recommend such a person, who would 
be willing to accept the position at a salary of not more than 
$50 a month for the first year ? So small a library would not 
involve very much work after being thoroughly catalogued, 
although we expect to add several hundred volumes each 
year. The trustees will not select any one with whom they 
cannot have a personal interview ; therefore, any one wishing 
to become a candidate must see us as soon as possible. We 
desire to make the appointment immediately. (1^4) 

Very respectfully, 

Miss Emma Trimble, 123. 

Allegheny, Pa. 
Dear Madam : 

At a meeting of the Authors Club recently held at 
Pittsburg, it was agreed that an effort should be made to 
interest the women's clubs of this State in procuring, during 
the coming session of the Legislature, which assembles on 
January 1, a liberal appropriation for the development of the 
Traveling Libraries system. Year before last we received 
an appropriation of only $3,000, namely $1,500 for each of 
the two years 1902 and 1903. That amount, with a sum of 
$2,800 raised by private subscriptions, has been entirely 
exhausted. We ought to have $20,000, but it seems wise 
at the present time to limit our request to $10,000. 



Educational 65 

I inclose a formal memorandum upon the subject 
and earnestly invite your cooperation. You can assist 
the cause by bringing this circular to the attention of 
those who are likely to have the most influence with the 
Representatives of your district. 

We shall be glad to furnish any further information 
desired. (172) 

Very truly yours, 



William B. Prescott, Esq., 124. 

Galveston, Tex. 
Dear Mr. Prescott : 

During October, I frequently visited the rooms 
occupied by the Girls' College, and am glad to report that 
the sessions are well attended, and that much interest is 
shown by the students in the various classes. I have written 
to-day to Mr. Pepper, Chairman of the Committee on 
Alterations, suggesting that various articles of furniture be 
provided from the appropriation already authorized. I beg 
to call your attention to the condition of the room used for 
the library. The books are properly arranged on the shelves 
and the index seems to be in excellent order ; but the 
pamphlets are in very bad condition and should have imme- 
diate attention . I should suggest that suitable boxes be pro- 
vided for their proper filing, and that they be arranged either 
alphabetically or chronologically, as may be decided upon 
by the person in charge. The file used for the reports of the 
principal does not seem to be kept up to date. After a 
proper table or desk has been provided for the library, I 
should suggest that it be suitably furnished with stationery 
for the use of the principal and members of the classes. ( 190) 

Very truly yours. 



66 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Mr. Matthew Braiden, Registrar, 125. 

Bellows Falls, Vt. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter of October 3 was received, but a reply has 
been delayed by reason of the absence of the writer from the 
office. 

Concerning Mr. Bowman's scholarships, we regret the 
difficulties which have arisen. In offering scholarships we 
try to be definite with our correspondents ; we offer certain 
features for certain results of canvassing. No one has a 
right to demand a scholarship that shall include more than 
was contemplated in our offer. 

On March 2 we wrote Mr. Bowman as follows : 
^' The Preparatory Course in Physics will require thirty-five 
subscribers ; a term in either the General Course in Physics 
or the Advanced Course, forty subscribers each. Forty 
subscribers will be necessary to secure one term's instruction 
in any of the courses offered in Elementary Chemistry, 
Quantitative or Qualitative Analysis, and Organic Chem- 
istry. ' ' In our letter of September 2 to Mr. Bowman we 
stated that he was entitled to one term's tuition in Quanti- 
tative Analysis and to one term's tuition in Advanced 
Physics. We then believed that the fee for these two courses 
would amount to $40, which would be covered by his 
commission on eighty subscribers, but we now find that 
your charges are $50. Mr. Bowman is not entitled to the 
additional $10, but since we are bound by our letter of 
September 2 to pay his tuition for these two courses, we 
inclose our check for $50 in full settlement of your bill. 

Yours truly, (243) 



Insueance. 67 

Insurance. 

To the Cashiers of the 126. 

Eastern Department. 
Gentlemen : 

I regret that in one or two cases cashiers have disre- 
garded instructions from the home office regarding individual 
and total limits of 1903 advance accounts. This is one of 
the most serious transgressions a cashier can make, and a 
repetition will not be tolerated by the company. You are 
therefore cautioned to use the utmost care in seeing that 
advances are not made in excess of the limit authorized by 
the home office. These instructions are imperative, and 
must not be disregarded. (82) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Charles Todd, 127. 

Lynn, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to Form 2100 of August 24, which you for- 
warded to the home office last week, with the renewal 
receipt on policy No. 89735, we find by your report of 
unsettled items that this policy is in possession of the insured, 
and is in storage. The policy has been cancelled as not 
taken. Please forward to the home office the inspection 
receipt which you state you have in your possession ; also, 
secure the policy as soon as possible, and send it with the 
receipt. When writing refer to this letter by file number. 
Yery respectfully, (93) 

The Keystone Life Insurance Co., 128. 

Boston, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

Having been ordered to duty in Germany, I send you 
my new address, Rosenstrasse 22, Dusseldorf, Germany. I 
have requested the Union National Bank, in Washington, 



68 Classified Commeeciai, Coerespondence. 

D. C, to remit you on October 1 $200, or such part of it as 
you may notify them as sufficient to cover the annual 
premium for the ensuing year on my policy, No. 22618, in 
your company. If you receive more than the required sum, 
kindly re-deposit in that bank to my credit ; or, if the 
amount is small, send to me in United States stamps. 

Respectfully, (95) 

Mr. Andrew Kleinert, 129. 

New London, Conn. 
Dear Sir : 

Having purchased the insurance business of the late 

Miles Griffiths, I notice by the books turned over to me that 

the fire insurance on your New Haven property, formerly 

owned by J. E. Pringle, will expire t>n July 15 next. There 

appears to be $3,100 on the house and $500 on the barn. 

May I rewrite this insurance for you? If so, would you 

object to having the new policy written in the name of Mr. 

Pringle, and the loss, if any, made payable to yourself? I 

ask this so that the old policy may still show on my books. 

Yours truly, (101) 

Mr. John Bedlow, 130. 

Bay City, Mich. 
Dear Sir : 

In your letter of yesterday you ask for $1,000 on 
policy No. 150402. 

We cannot lend you the whole amount, but can lend 
you $720, deducting the interest from October 1 to Feb- 
ruary 1, which would be $12, giving you a net amount of 
$708. If you desire this amount, kindly sign the inclosed 
note, and have your wife, the beneficiary, also sign with you. 
Send the note to me with your policy and such receipts as 
you have, and we will forward you a receipt for the policy 
and the money by Monday or Tuesday. (1^5) 

Yours truly, 



INSUEANCE. 69 

Messrs. Eoenke & Rogers, 131. 

Augusta, Ga. 
Gentlemen : 

We hand you herewith application covering your 
boiler insurance — 124,000, premium $200 — for a period of 
three years. If it is correctly written, kindly sign and 
return to us, when we will issue policy immediately. Also, 
let us know on what date you wish the insurance to begin. 
We have arranged to have our inspector at your plant on 
Monday to make the inspection of your boilers. 

We also inclose application for Employers' Liability, 
Public and Teams Policies for yourselves, and also Teams 
Liability Policy for John Burns. Will you kindly secure 
the completion of the pay-roll reports on these. We should 
like to be informed at your earliest convenience as to the 
renewal of these policies. (121) 

Yours respectfully, 

Mr. M. J. Heberton, Yice- President, 132. 

Hennepin Insurance Co., 

Minneapolis, Minn. 
Dear Sir : 

Inclosed please find policy No. 13106, $5,000, with 
receipts, on the life of Peter Cassidy, who died June 13, at 
510 Harmer Street. Receipts are also inclosed for policy 
No. 103618, returned, with proof of death. Claim for these 
is made by the Central Trust Company, of St. Paul, as 
executor of the will of the late Peter Cassidy. The short 
certificate of their appointment, No. 14644 S. S., from the 
St. Paul City and County Court, is dated June 24. This 
proof was delayed on account of getting signatures. Inclosed 
also is the copy of the inquest, properly signed and sealed by 
John W. Lister, Chief Clerk of the Coroner's office. 

These papers, I believe, are all correct. (126) 

Yours truly. 



70 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Miss Alice Whittaker, 133, 

Portland, Me. 
Dear Madam : 

At the suggestion of our policy-holder, Miss Brown, 
I inclose you some printed matter relating to the Hemisphere 
Insurance Company ; also, its fifty-first annual statement. 
You will see that, during fifty years as an uninterrapted, 
successfully and conservatively operated company, we have 
paid $45,000,000 to our policy-holders, never having delayed 
or disputed the settlement of a case at death or maturity. 
Usually, within a few days after proofs of death are received, 
we are ready to make settlement without any cost to the bene- 
ficiary. Our dividends are paid annually, and reduce the 
premium cost, whereas in some companies a lapse sometimes 
forfeits the dividends. 

If you will fill out the inclosed card and send to me, 
I will illustrate an exact copy of policy, such as would be 
issued to you, with guaranteed values for any year. I send 
a blank application, which can be filled out. The medical 
examination may be made by any one of our doctors, who 
must send the report to us in the inclosed envelope. 

I shall be glad to give any further information desired. 
Very truly yours, ( 183 ) 

John T. Raymond, M. D., 134. 

Helena, Mont. 
Dear Dr. Raymond : 

I have your inquiry of .Junel^ for information regard- 
ing the plans of Casualty Insurance offered by this company 
and applicable to you. We have a Personal Accident Policy 
by which, for $50 per annum, on a $10,000 policy, profes- 
sional and business men can obtain protection in case of any 
ordinary accident, with the combination feature provid- 
ing benefits, as per list on page 10 of the accompanying 
pamphlet. 



Law. 71 

We have also a ^Maximum Benefit Policy, intended 
for those to whom a short disablement means great pecuniary 
loss, and who wish for the greatest protection against serious 
injury or protracted illness. All the benefits are increased 
50 per cent., at no additional cost to the insured. For a 
115,000 policy the premium will be 5 100 per annum. 

After thirty years' experience, this company is 
specially fitted to offer a protection that is absolute ; and 
its age, financial strength, record, and conservative manage- 
ment are guarantees of its permanence and ability to carry 

out its contracts. (170) 

Yours truly, 



Law. 

Messrs. Smith & Dodge, 135. 

AUentown, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

The case of Stark vs. Hanbur>^ is on the list for trial 
in Common Pleas Court No. 1, Eoom K, City Hall, Phila- 
delphia, on Thursday next, November 14. We understand 
that your i\lr. Smith has in charge the examination of the 
plaintiff by a physician, and we shall be glad to be notified 
promptly of the result of that examination. Please ascer- 
tain also Avhether the witnesses whose statements were 
furnished us some time ago are now accessible, and whether 
any persons can be found who saw the accident, or who 
have important testimony as to the condition of the plaintiff 
before and after its occurrence. (104) 

Very truly yours, 

Jeremiah T. Wagner, Esq., 136. 

Omaha, Neb. 
Dear Sir : 

We received your letter of the 4th instant, in regard 

to the claim of Messrs. Frisky & Sharp against the Accident 



72 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Security Company. You state that some way will probably 
be found to avoid legal proceedings, and suggest that we 
hold the matter in abeyance, for a sho^'^me, while "you are 
corresponding with Lincoln. Our clients, of course, do not 
wish to resort to litigation unless absolutely necessary, and 
they hope that an amicable adjustment of the claim may be 
effected. Although there has already been a good deal of 
delay, we are willing to defer any future action until you 
have had a reasonable time to secure the necessary informa- 
tion from Lincoln. (il4) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. William Hills, 137. 

Cleveland, O. 
Dear Mr. Hills : 

I have discussed with the stenographers the matter of 
their bill for services rendered at the meeting of the City 
Council. Their charge is the regular rate made by court 
stenographers for night work out of town, and is not exorbi- 
tant when the special requirements of the case are considered. 
But since their services were rendered in a popular moral 
movement, they are willing to deduct 20 per cent, of their 
bill, and, in addition, to give the Law and Order League a 
transcript of their notes on the proceedings of the meeting. 
Inasmuch as they have made this liberal deduction from 
their bill, they ask that remittance be made as soon as 

possible. ( 114 ) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Harrison & Adams, 138. 

Mobile, Ala. 
Gentlemen : 

Mr. John Smith has handed me your letter of the 1st 
instant, together with a copy of the petition in the case of 
€rifford vs. Lentz. We note that you request the filing of an 



Law. 73 

answer, and presume that, as the proceedings are amicable, 
the answer should be simply a waiver of formal process and 
service, and an admission of the facts stated in the petition. 
If this is the case, and if you will indicate the form of 
answer you require, we shall be very glad to take up the 
matter immediately wdth Mr. Smith and the other defend- 
ants. Is it necessary for the answer to be executed by all of 
the defendants? (114) 

Yours truly, 

Mrs. Harriet Eoss, 139. 

Birmingham, Ala. 
Dear Madam : 

In settlement of the . estate of Martha Steele, the 
m.ortgage on your property, held by the estate, has been 
assigned to Mrs. Sarah Curtin. In order to have her papers 
complete, I would ask you to sign the inclosed Declaration 
of No Set-off, and to return it to me. Please sign where 
your initials are in pencil, and have two witnesses to your 
signature. I do not know whether Mrs. Curtin will require 
the payment of the principal of the mortgage ; but if she 
does, I will give you due notice. As she wishes her money 
invested, she may be willing to let it remain ; unless the fact 
of its being a second mortgage would cause her to call it in. 

Yours truly, (122) 

Joseph M. Hepley, Esq., 140. 

Paterson, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

I received your letter in reference to the suit of 
Morse vs. Fink, et al., and have seen Mr. Doyle in regard to 
it. He wishes me to say that the defendants desire you to 
enter an appearance for them, and push the plaintiffs to a 
disclosure of their case. From all I can understand, his case 
does not warrant the bringing of an ejectment suit, and it 



74 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

would seem that suit is brought simply to tie up the property, 
and to prevent the disposal of it. In this case the longer it 
is allowed to drag, the better his purpose will be served. 
Mr. Doyle tells me that Mr. Morse is a non-resident of this 
State, and if so, can you not make him give security for 
costs ? The tenants have already refused to pay the rent, so 
that we are beginning to feel the effect of the proceeding. 
It is therefore unnecessary to say that we should like the 
matter pushed to a conclusion as quickly as possible. 

Yours truly, (170) 

J. H. Kilburn, Esq., 141. 

Sacramento, Cal. 
Dear Sir : 

Inclosed please find two receipts of Margaret Grant 
to Peter Hunt, administrator of the estate of Sarah Hunt, 
deceased. One receipt is for §40.44, her undivided fifth 
interest in the money advanced to her, and reckoned as assets 
of the estate ; and the other for $99.80, her undivided one- 
sixth interest in real estate belonging to said estate, situated 
in Los Angeles, Cal., estimated at $1200. As Sarah Hunt 
has been dead for five years, it seems to us that the admin- 
istrator should make some account of income received from 
this real estate during the time it has been in his hands ; as 
he probably collected such income or occupied the property 
himself. There was also some personalty, consisting of 
mortgages, etc. We should like, if possible, to have a copy 
of the inventory of the estate, and also to be informed what 
disposition of the personalty has been made by the admin- 
istrator. 

Will you kindly secure this information for us at 
your convenience, and oblige 

Yours truly, (1'74) 



Political. 75 

William Black, Esq. , 142. 

Peoria, 111. 
Dear Sir : 

We have to-day paid off mortgage on your property, 
No. 324 Elton Street, and inclose you herewith the bond, 
receipt for principal and interest, and satisfaction fee in- 
dorsed ; also, satisfied mortgage. I also send you fire 
insurance policy which Mr. Jones has transferred to Mrs. 
Black. Please have Mrs. Black sign the transfer indorsed 
on the second page of the policy where I have placed her 
initials, to be given to Mr. Phipps to hold with his mort- 
gage. 

I herewith submit statement of account : 

To amount paid John E. Jones, Trustee. 
Mortgage Principal. . - . -. $5,000 00 

Interest, July 26, 1903, 3 mos., 15 days, 

@ 5 % . . . 17 91 

Satisfaction fee .... 50 

Charges, as per inclosed memorandum . . 30 50 

Total $5,048 46 

By amount of new loan . . ; 5, 000 00 

Balance $ 48 46 

Kindly send me your check for this amount. 

Yours truly, (150) 



Political. 



Dr. Richard Jacoby, 143. 

Boston, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter, making application for the position of 
Medical Inspector, received. At present there are no vacan- 
cies in this department, but when the proper time comes we 



76 Classified Commekcial Coreespondence. 

shall be glad to give the matter consideration. All applica- 
tions for positions should be made to the Secretary of the 
Civil Service Board, Room 42, State House. (45) 

Yours truly, 

Hon. Lewis Morgan, 144. 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Sir : 

I have received the inclosed communications from 
United States District Attorney Wisler, and, in accordance 
with his suggestion, I respectfully submit them to you for 
such consideration as you may deem proper. Please return 
the papers to me when you have completed your examin- 
ation of them. (46) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. David Tatum, 145. 

Phillipsburg, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

The Republican ticket in our county is a very short 
one, but in my opinion it is a very important one. The 
loss of our assemblyman would be very serious to the party 
in the future. The surrogate is elected "for five years, and 
this important office must not pass out of our hands. 

We are short of campaign funds to make a vigorous 
fight ; therefore we trust that you will take pleasure in 
sending us a liberal check for that purpose. (82) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Joseph Frisbie, J46. 

Akron, O. 
Dear Sir : 

If you can give me your support and interest in the 
present campaign, I can assure you it will be appreciated. 
My position as a candidate is one of absolute independence 



Political. 77 

of factioDj combination, or party, and my obligations will be 
only to personal friends who may interest themselves in my 
behaK. If elected, of which I feel every assurance, I will 
conduct my office in the same manner that I have hitherto 
performed my duties. 

Thanking you in advance for whatever support you 
may give me, I am (89) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. Jesse K. Focht, 147. 

Paterson, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

A meeting of the Men^s Republican Club, of the Sixth 
District, Fifteenth Ward, will be held on Saturday evening, 
March 10, in the Council Chamber of the club house, No. 
423 Commerce Street, to discuss the abolishing of Belgian 
blocks, of securing asphalt paving, and of abating the 
nuisance caused by a pond of stagnant water on Walnut 
Avenue, Fifteenth Ward. 

You are requested to be present. (70) 

Yours truly, 

-. , Secretary. 



Hon. William Cartright, . 148. 

Governor of Ohio, 

Columbus, O. 
Sir: 

The communication of District Attorney Hawn, re- 
ceived through you last week, has been referred to Hon. 
John T. Beale, who is president of the town council of Stone- 
ville, a body which has full power to close the race track at 
any moment. Mr. Beale is also the State Senator from that 
town, and is a member of your own political party. He 
can, I hope, be relied upon to take such action in the 
premises as the public welfare demands. In this State, 



78 Classified Commeecial Coeeespondence. 

unfortunately, the governor has no more power to enforce 
law by means of civil officers than has any other citizen. 

Yours very respectfully, (103) 

— — , Governor. 

Mr. Thomas Webb, 149. 

Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

The new schedule for the increase of teachers' salaries, 
which is to be considered at the meeting of the City Com- 
mittee on Schools on Friday, seems to me to be very faulty. 
The old schedule provides for an increase of $25 each year 
until the sixth year. The new schedule provides, in addition 
to this, that after the sixth year of service the salary shall 
be raised $35 yearly until the tenth year. 

This arrangement will not immediately benefit young 
teachers, and is discouraging to Normal School pupils who 
intend to teach. The schedule should provide for an increase 
in the minimum salary now paid first-yeat teachers, and for 
annual raises thereafter until the sixth year, as in the old 
schedule. 

Trusting that you will use your influence to correct 
this unfair arrangement, I am (138) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. Frank J. Haskell, 150. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Mr. J. S. Aiken and Mr. Samuel Sexton called on me 
yesterday in reference to the nominations to Councils. In a 
confidential conversation with me, Mr. Aiken made no 
reference to Select Council, and said that he had no particular 
desire to be a member of Councils, but that he had for 
political reasons allowed his name to be used as candidate 
for nomination to Common Council. 



Political. 79 

Mr. Sexton says that three of the members of Common 
Council are candidates for nomination to Select Council. 
He has reached the expiration of his term as Common Coun- 
cihnan, and insists upon being renominated for the Select 
branch, threatening to be an independent candidate if not 
nominated by the regular convention. I told him that if he 
desired the nomination I should be glad to help him, and 
promised to ask your cooperation in furthering his interests 
among our political friends. I will see you to-morrow 
between 10 and 11 o'clock for further conference on this 
matter. Yours truly, (164) 

Hon. Abraham Winfield, 151. 

Governor of Indiana, 

Indianapolis, Ind. 
Your Excellency : 

Knowing that a bill is before the Legislature making 
it necessary for all newsboys to be licensed, and knowing 
that your personal interest in this cause will materially 
influence the action of the House^ the Woman's Committee 
of the Newsboys' Club have directed me to inform you that 
they believe such a measure will be of the greatest benefit 
to the boys and their families. I have the honor to present 
herewith statistics of the committee who were instrumental 
in securing the licensing of newsboys in Massachusetts. A 
brief glance at these figures will show that this movement 
has had most successful results in that State. We hope that 
you will not neglect this opportunity of helping the children 
of Indiana by indorsing a bill which will protect them from 
grasping and ignorant parents, and keep children who are 
more sinned against than sinning out of the Juvenile Court. 
Yours respectfully, (150) 
, Secretary. 



80 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Mr. Hugh W. Spaulding, Commissioner, 152. 

Department of Correction, 
Omaha, Neb. 
Dear Sir : 

In answer to your letter of the 20th, I beg to state 
that the Council Bluffs Society for Organizing Charity has 
investigated the case of James Council, who is reported 
delinquent by the Guardians of the Poor of your city in the 
payment of §4 a week for the support of wdfe and children. 
James Connell has lived in Council Bluffs for two years ; he 
is not a member of any church. A physician who attended 
him during a recent short illness declares that he is an able- 
bodied man, but owing to his dissipation, is unable to work 
at his trade of blacksmithing. His last employer, Mr. 
Frank Smith, foreman of a division of the Union Pacific 
Eailroad, says that Connell was extremely intemperate and 
quarrelsome while in his employ. We should be glad to 
oblige you, and incidentally ourselves, by furnishing trans- 
portation for James Connell from here to Omaha, but 
our appropriation for this purpose is exhausted. Unless 
some benevolent person will forward the necessary amount, 
we cannot promise to send him back to you. 

Yours very truly, (ISO) 

Hon. Victor Ransom, 153. 

Mayor of Kansas City. 
Sir: 

In the matter of the publication of the assessments of 
real estate for the purpose of taxation, the Committee on 
Assessment and Taxation of the Citizens^ League indorses 
most heartily the recommendations on the subject contained 
in your recent message to the Assembly, and desires to aid 
you in every possible way in having them carried out. The 
manager of one of the leading newspapers of the city offers 



Political. 81 

to publish without charge the assessments made by the 
Board of Tax Revision for this year. These assessments 
can be printed, and a copy distributed to every house in the 
city ; and also fifty thousand separate copies of the entire 
assessment furnished for about $6,000. The committee 
thinks the city should bear this expense, but is willing to 
assume it if there is any difficulty in securing the very small 
appropriation needed. The consent to make the copies must 
necessarily be secured from the Board of Tax Ee vision. 

These facts we lay before you for your consideration, 
and we shall be glad to assist you in carrying out your sug- 
gestions and recommendations. (185) 
Yours truly, 

, Secretary. 

To the Board of Education, 154 

Chicago, 111. 
Gentlemen : 

The Health Protective Organization of Chicago asks 
of your Board the privilege of establishing in one of the city 
schools a system of medical inspection, such as has been 
founded in many large eastern cities. The method employed 
in New York, where the system is very successful, is as 
follows : The medical inspector calls at the school in the 
morning, or at such a time as is convenient to the principal, 
inspects the children, receives reports of sickness at home, 
and prescribes for the child treatment to be carried out by 
the visiting nurse under his direction. 

The length of time . required for this inspection is 
about one hour a week, and is a great saving of school time 
to the individual child. This system prevents a child who 
is suffering from some minor contagious disease, such as, 
ringworm, pediculosis, or some forms of eye and skin trouble-,, 
from losing time at school, and from spreading the contagion 
on the street. It also makes it possible for the health officers 



82 Classified Commeecial Coerespondence. 

to see that a child's home is properly quarantined, where 
such a measure is necessary. The nurse usually treats the 
child in school, but goes to the home if the doctor thinks 
the child's mother too ignorant or too careless to carry out 
his instructions. 

In New York over nine hundred children were treated 
in one month, and it is believed that many of these cases 
would otherwise have developed into serious trouble. We 
offer the services of a physician and trained nurse to carry 
out such a system in one school in this city, and hope that 
the trial will show the citizens the value of medical inspection 
of the public schools. (285) 

Yours respectfully, 



, Secretary. 



Publishing. 



Messrs. Cropper & Stork, 155. 

Des Moines, lo. 
Gentlemen : 

I am obliged to you for your letter of the 15th with 
quotations for the reprinting of my catalogue. I think, 
however, that in the present unsettled state of the paper 
market, it will not be wise for me to issue another edition. 
If you are able to carry the form a little while longer with- 
out inconvenience, I shall be glad to have you do so ; and if 
you will again make inquiry before distributing, I shall be 
glad to come to a final decision. (85) 

Very truly yours, 

The Elmira Printing Co. , 156. 

Elmira, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

I am directed to inform you that next week and 
thereafter until further notice, we are expecting to print a 



Publishing. 83 

thirty -four page paper. It is desired also that only the first 
eight pages shall be in wide measure, and the remaining 
twenty -six pages in narrow measure. Ten-point type is to 
be used for the first eight pages only, the following twenty- 
six pages of news to be set up in eight-point narrow. 

Kindly collect and send to us all half-tones and other 
electros which have been used in previous numbers of the 
" Gilmore Monthly,'' as some of these are required in other 
departments of our business. 

Please see that these instructions are carefully 
observed. (119) 

Yours truly, 

Rev. William Mercer, 157. 

Waynesboro, Pa. 
Dear Mr. Mercer : 

In looking over our mail-list it seems to us that a 
large number of subscribers might possibly be obtained 
from your church through the influence of the pastor ; so 
we write to know if you will not again present the interests 
of the paper to your people. We are offering to every one 
sending us a new subscriber, a beautiful Teacher's Bible, 
minion type, Divinity Circuit, leather binding and lined, 
red under gold edges. Of course, you will have the priv- 
ilege of giving the Bible to the subscriber you obtain ; or if 
you prefer not to offer any premium, you may send us $1.00 
for every new subscriber or renewal. 

As we have concluded to give more space, particu- 
larly to Pennsylvania news, we should be pleased if you 
would keep us informed about events occurring in your 
field. We should be very glad also to have any suggestions 
you care to make by which the paper may be improved. 

Yours fraternally, (1^0) 



84 Classified Commeecial Cobeespondence. 

Prof. John B. Downing, A. M., 158. 

Cambridge, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

Answering your letter of the 10th instant, we would 
say that if Baker's Elementary Grammar is to be introduced 
into your courses, we can allow the return of one-fourth of 
your introduction order, provided that the net amount of 
the order equals ten copies. For introduction we would 
furnish the book to you at 32 cents a copy, delivered free, 
and would allow 10 per cent, for handling. If the book 
has already been introduced, we will furnish it at 28 cents 
a copy, carriage at your expense ; but we could not agree 
to allow returns, although we would try to meet your con- 
venience in such a matter. 

Will you not send us the order now for the books 
needed for the opening of your fall sessions, so that we may 
ship them by freight about August 1 ? This would insure 
prompt delivery of the books. The invoice will be dated 
September 1, giving the usual credit. We trust you will 
desire to include some of our other publications, in addition 
to those previously used. 

Hoping to hear from you soon, we are (185) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. George Knapp, 159. 

Providence, E. I. 
Dear Sir : 

The interest in the first complete set of Fitzgerald's 
works has been so genuine and wide-spread that we very 
much regret being unable to send you a volume for review, 
but the fact that the edition is so small, and so strictly 
limited makes it impossible. If you are sufficiently inter- 
ested to wish to examine and review a volume and will so 
notify us, we will send to you for a few days, a copy which 



Publishing. 85 

may be returned at our expense. The inclosed prospectus 
shows the contents of the various volumes. Our first sub- 
scribers have been persons concerned with its manufacture, 
who have consequently had an ' opportunity to realize its 
great beauty as an example of fine book-making. (120) 

Very truly yours, 

Henry G. Connor, LL. D., 160, 

Worcester, Mass. 
My dear Sir : 

We are in receipt of your letter of the 25th instant, 
and assure you that the order which you gave to our sales- 
man, Mr. Wells, on September 2, was promptly entered on 
our books. When we came to make shipment, however, 
we found that, owing to an unusually heavy demand for 
Volume 4, of Ferguson's ^'Political Economy,'' our stock 
of that volume, in half Russia, had become exhausted. We 
at once instructed our binder to prepare a new supply, and 
hoped to be able to forward your order within a week or 
ten days. If we had anticipated such slow deliveries from 
the bindery, we should have advised you of the possibility 
of delay in filling your order. We are glad to inform you 
that the books were returned to us this morning and your 
order was forwarded at once, express charges prepaid. 

With apologies for the delay and inconvenience which 
you have suffered, we are (157) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. C. B. Dougherty, 161. 

Forth Worth, Tex. 
Dear Sir : 

Last spring we sent to you a descriptive circular of 
"An Index to Eecitations, Eeadings, and Dialogues," 
which we promised to publish, provided we received the 



86 Classified Commeecial Coerespondence. 

necessary support, and on April 10 you sent us an order for 
one copy. 

At that time we thought the book could be brought 
out at a cost to you of from $3 to $4. As the work pro- 
gressed, however, we found it necessary to enlarge the 
"Index" to such an extent that it will finally contain 
some thirty thousand titles instead of fifteen thousand as 
originally announced, and will index the contents of over 
three hundred volumes instead of about two hundred, as 
first mentioned. Other valuable features will be a thumb 
index, and a list of selections for special occasions. This 
vast amount of additional material makes it necessary to 
advance the price to |5 net, and in view of these very 
important additions, we hope that you will agree to the 
advance in price. (166) 

Very truly yours, 

Mr. George Frick, 162. 

Joliet, 111. 
Dear Sir : 

We have recently opened The Century Bookshop with 
a first-class stock of books in all departments. A special 
department has been arranged to look after the library 
trade. We shall be pleased to secure your business, and 
believe it will be to your advantage to place your account 
with us. 

In addition to offering you the usual discounts to 
libraries, we have a large list of books which we can sell to 
you at special prices. An arrangement with The Peoples 
Library gives us control of all surplus stock, slightly used 
but as good as new, which can be sold at a considerable 
reduction. We can sell to you at a price which we think 
will meet with your approval a large variety of books which 



Agbiculture. 87 

have been rebound and handsewn especially for library 
purposes. 

We shall be pleased to submit quotations or to have 
you call and examine the stock at your convenience. (156) 

Very truly yours, 

Prof. Oscar Bristow, 163. 

Yonkers, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

We have your request for a review copy of Podmore^s 
''Modern Spiritualism." Were it our own publication we 
should be glad to supply it to you, but unfortunately it is 
published in London, and we merely import it into this 
country. Our provision for editorial copies is therefore 
small, and we are unable to send as many as we otherwise 
would. The supply has already been exhausted, but we 
shall be glad to make a special price to you on the book if 
you care to secure it in that way for the purpose of review. 
It sells for $5 net retail, and the usual trade discount is 
25^, but we shall be glad to supply it to you for the pur- 
pose you name at $3.25 net. If that will be satisfactory, 
kindly remit with order to save confusion. (143) 

Very truly yours, 



Agriculture. 

Mr. W. C. Kinsey, 164. 

Spokane, Wash. 
Dear Sir : 

Owing to heavy traffic on G. E. & L. lines, your car 
of straw has not yet arrived ; but I hope to receive it by the 
first of next week, and will then send you account sales. 
Our market continues quiet, the best No. 1 timothy hay 
being sold at about $15 per ton, with only a few sales of 
choice lots at $15.50. No. 1 mixed hay is being sold readily, 



88 Classified Commercial Coeeespondence. 

but undergrade stock finds few buyers, and is being sold for 
$11. Wheat straw is in demand at $8.50, and oat straw, if 
long and bright, will command a high price. (109) 

Yours respectfully, 

Messrs. J. H. Watson & Co., 165. 

Nichols, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

Replying to your letter of the 5th inst. , I am glad to 
state that I can handle your ten cars of hay. If you will 
tell me what they will grade, I will make you an offer 
immediately ; or I will sell the hay for you to the best 
possible advantage for a net commission of 50 cents per ton. 
As I am a member of the Commercial Exchange, I can make 
sales for you to as good advantage as any one in this city ; at 
the same time, I would much rather buy your stock outright, 
subject to inspection, provided we can agree upon a price. 

Awaiting your reply, I remain (113) 

Yours respectfully, 

Mr. A. T. Hendricks, 166. 

Hatboro, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Inclosed I hand you corrected account sales for cars 
Nos. 15,062 and 69,220, with hay, from your station on 
October 18. I am at a loss to understand how you get your 
weights. The latter car was weighed by connectmg lines, 
and they have raised the weight from the minimum weight 
of 20,000 lbs., as billed, to only 20,600 lbs., while the 
P. & R. R. R. track scale certificate, which you will find 
attached, calls for 21,050 lbs. 

I am afraid that you are allowing your people to give 
you the wrong weights, and this inaccuracy is very unsatis- 
factory to buyers. When I sell these cars to outside points, 
I bill them according to invoice, weight guaranteed ; and 



Agricultube. 89 

when these mistakes occur, the buyers naturally feel that I 
am over-billing the stock to them. 

Inclosed find claim for the short weight on car No. 
69,220. 

Yours very respectfully, (158) 

Mr. Frederick Milburn, 167. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Owing to present conditions of discharge in this 

Tiarbor, it will be better to ship the oats, ex S. S. ' ' Maritana, ' ^ 

in the original bags, which no doubt will be satisfactory 

to you. In this case we shall not be able to get correct 

weights in New York, so we must rely on your weights in 

Philadelphia. These weights, we trust, will be taken with 

your usual accuracy. A man will be sent to arrange for the 

return of the bags. Please be careful not to cut or destroy 

them, as they have been sold to a dealer in New York. 

These arrangements, we hope, will meet with your approval. 

Yours truly, (110) 

Messrs. Burke, Simmons & Co., 168. 

Tonawanda, N. Y. . 
Oentlemen : 

We confirm sale to you through Messrs. H. Betz & 
Company, of about 33,000 bushels of barley on S. S. 
'' Hawaiian," now at Buffalo. The price of the barley is 
69 cents ex vessel, you paying all charges subsequent to 
the discharge of the barley on the dock. You are to hold the 
bags for our account, and also to arrange a covered pier, 
where the steamer can discharge the cargo quickly. The 
agent of the steamer will confer with you in regard to the 
pier. 

Trusting that everything can be satisfactorily arranged 
between you, we are (100) 

Yours truly, 



90 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

The Remmel Brewing Company, 169. 

La Crosse , Wis. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to your inquiry concerning hops, we can now 
give you a few facts and figures. The weather during 
August was particularly bad for hops in New York and 
Oregon. It not only retarded their growth, but impaired 
their quality, so that former estimates in these States must 
needs be reduced. This year's crop will average in bales as 
follows: Washington, 36,000, Oregon, 80,000, California, 
48,000, and New York 50,000, a total of 214,000 bales, being 
an increase of several thousand over last season's yield. In 
England, where harvesting is not yet completed, a crop of 
450,000 cwt. is anticipated, against 311,000 cwt. of last 
year ; while the loss in Bohemia and Belgium will amount 
to perhaps 100,000 cwt. The gain in England will more 
thau offset the loss on the Continent, Avhere the market has 
been driven up by the appearance of Bohemian buyers to 
provide for the shortage in their own country. We are 
informed that, when this demand has been satisfied, the 
market will react. Advance samples show marked irregu- 
larity in the quality of the crop, the extremes of good and 
bad being noticeable in both New York and Oregon. 

These are the conditions as we have them to-day, and 
our opinion will not change unless the conditions change. 

Yours very truly, (230) 

Messrs. Hoyt Brothers, 170. 

Baltimore, Md. 
Gentlemen : 

This week the total receipts of wheat have been light, 

but a great deal of it is warm, very damp, damaged, and 

musty. If you have wheat of this description do not ship, 

but spread out in your warehouse or run if you have an 

elevator. We should advise you to wait until you can get 



LUMBEE. 91 

the wheat in condition to grade Steamer 2, which closes this 
week at 72 J. Fair rejected is 65, but if warm, 62. If you 
have 2 red, free of garlic, we can get you 82, and for 2 red, 
in which garlic is allowed , 79J. We welcome shipments of 
dry wheat, as it is wanted to mix with soft, rejected wheat ; 
that containing live weevil can grade only rejected, and sells 
at disappointing prices 

Receipts of corn are light and prices low, in sympathy 
with the West. High mixed, or yellow, on track, is quoted 
at 56 and 57 ; prime yellow cob corn, $3.10 per 350 lbs. 

Rye is scarce, and we advise shipments, as spot is 
especially wanted. No. 2, free of garlic, is quoted at 62 
and 63. 

Oats close firm at 41 J and 42 for 3 white. 

Clover seed is wanted, as the offerings are light. 

We report on every sample mailed us, and will either 

sell your shipments on arrival or hold subject to your order. 

You have the privilege of 17 days free storage on all grain in 

export elevators. (260) 

Yours truly. 



Lumber. 

Smoke Mountain Lumber Co., 171. 

Williamsport, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We have an inquiry for a large quantity of strips f to 
V^ thick, 2J to 4^^ wide, and 6 to 7^ long, to be used for 
strip doors for box cars. They need not be exact in size, but 
they must be free from rot, and strong enough to hold mer- 
chandise in the car. Kindly quote us price of these strips 
delivered at Pittsburg, Pa., and state how soon you can 
furnish them. 

Yours truly, (81) 



92 Classified Commercial Coerespondence. 

Messrs. Thomas Jenkins & Sons, 172. 

Columbia, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We should like you to send us your lowest price on 
two ears of 4/4 spruce box boards, delivered at Cumberland, 
Md. The old grade of Red Horse boards that your Mr. 
Armstrong used to sell to Faunce Bros, will do, if you have 
them dry, and can surface them on one side. Kindly let us 
hear from you, regarding the furnishing of this stock. If 
you have any hemlock stock to offer, send us a list with 
prices, delivered at the mill. (84) 

Yours truly, 

Eed Maple Lumber Co., 173. 

Scranton, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

"We have been expecting for some time to hear from 
you or your Mr. Jones, but you seem to have forgotten us. 
Kindly quote us your lowest prices on the following stock, to 
be cut out, put on sticks, and shipped as soon as dry : 

35,000 ft. 1 and 2 poplar, f x 8 to 18^^ wide. 

50, 000 ft. clear sap poplar, f x 5^^ and up wide. 

40,000 ft. clear sap poplar, i x 5^^ and up wide. 

We should also like ' to have a list of the stock you 
have on yard, with your jirices, cash, less 2%. 

Yours very truly, (H^) 

Sapling Mountain Lumber Co., 174. 

Lock Haven, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We have your letter of the 22d. The consideration 
of Log Kun spruce has not been taken up with our customer, 
as the prices are no doubt too high for him. He wants to 



LUMBEE. 93 

use this stock in place of white pine for flooring, siding, and 
sheathing ; but as he can buy cheaper grades that will 
answer all purposes^ we do not think we can induce him to 
take the spruce. If you can lower your price, we will gladly 
receive your quotations. We are quoted $18. 75 per M from 
one other concern, 10^^ and under, Log Eun, mill culls and 
box out. They claim that the percentage of clear does 
not run very large, but there should be a good percentage of 
select, and such merchantable stock as there is, should be 
very good and sound. (141) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. W. S. Stanton, 175. 

Concord, N. C. 
Dear Sir : 

We have not yet heard from you in regard to a con- 
tract for the cut of your mill. As we are in a position to 
make you a fair offer for this stock, we desire to see you 
before closing any contract. At the same time, we can 
assist you very materially in increasing the value of your cut 
by giving you thin stock to manufacture. 

The prices on poplar lumber seem to be still rising. 
We can handle your chestnut, oak, and basswood ; in fact, 
everything except your hemlock, which we suppose you are 
more competent to handle than we are. We should be 
pleased to have you call on us, or see our Mr. French, who 
will meet you at Newport, or at the mill. 

We are very sorry for the mistake our men made 
when shipping out the smoke-stacks. Your Mount Whitney 
office has already been instructed to unload these stacks and 
keep them on the ground ; they can probably be used later 
on, if not at present. (1'''2) 

Yours very truly. 



94 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Green Mountain Lumber Co., 176. 

Carlisle, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

We have an inquiry for shipment of a lot of spruce 
box shooks from New York to South America, and we 
thought you might be able to give us a price on them. 
The quantity wanted is 100 M boxes, in monthly shipments 
of about 20 M boxes. Specifications are : All parts to be 
planed two sides : inside measurement of the box to be 
12 x 12x 11^^ ; after dressing, the thickness of the head to be 
f ^^, and of the remainder Y^- 

We want two quotations : First, for the sides and 
ends in one piece, tops and bottoms in two pieces, tongued 
and grooved where they are pieced. Second : All the parts 
in one piece. 

The lumber, of course, must be dry, and free from 
loose or black knots or shakes, or anything that will not 
make a good, clean box, suitable for packing butter. If 
necessary, we could forward you a sample of the box required ; 
but we think you now have sufficient information to quote 
us. If you are equipped for making this class of goods, and 
name a satisfactory price, we will have you make us a box 
to be shown as sample. (201) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Whitehall & Wycoff, 177. 

Buffalo, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

This season we have sale for large quantities of 
chestnut cord wood, chestnut oak bark, and hemlock bark. 

The prices that we are offering are : For prime chest- 
nut oak bark, $7 per ton of 2240 pounds ; for prime hemlock 
bark, $6 per ton of 2240 pounds ; and for chestnut wood, 



Lumber. 95 

f 1.60 per cord of 128 cu. ft., all on board cars at your station, 
the freight to be paid by us. We inclose you specifications 
covering bark and cordwood. 

Our policy will be, not to bind up our shippers with 
contracts for wood and bark, but to guarantee that the prices 
mentioned will be the lowest for this season. On the other 
hand, we will follow any increase in price that is offered by 
any responsible buyer. This policy, we believe, is better 
for the sellers of the bark ; for, if weights and inspections do 
not suit them, they are at liberty to ship their bark to some 
other buyer. We solicit your correspondence and shipments, 
and feel sure that you will be pleased with the results. 
Prompt cash returns will be made for all shipments as soon 
as unloaded. (200) 

Yours very truly, 

Western Forest Lumber Co. , 178. 

Flint City, Mich. 
Dear Sirs : 

We will advise you regarding the large poplar logs as 
soon as we hear from our foreign correspondents. We have 
already taken up this matter with them, and should have a 
reply in a few days. 

As to the measurements of the maple logs, we wish to 
say that these logs were measured twice, and the calculations 
as to contents were made according to Doyle's Rule, Scrib- 
ner's Measure. In looking over our tally of these logs we 
find no error except the extensions on one log, where we have 
made a clerical error of 8 ft. in your favor. This, of course, 
is so slight that we will not correct it. The difference 
between your tally and ours must have been made by your 
log scaler measuring outside of the bark, as the logs did not 
hold the sizes as shown in your invoice. When we found 



96 Classified Commercial Coerespondence. 

there was a difference in the measurements, we had the 
inspector go over the logs again, so as to be sure that ours, 
was correct. We wrote you regarding the difference at the 
time, and sent you a copy of our measurement. We use 
altogether Doyle's Kule, Scribner's Measure, in measuring 
logs, considering this to be the fairest, both to the buyer and 
the seller. It is the customary measure, we believe, in all 
markets. (223) 

Yours very truly. 



Building Operations and Repairs. 

Messrs. Craven & Dilks, 179. 

Davenport, lo. 
Gentlemen : 

We have your estimate of the 13th instant. In reply 
we would say, if this includes filling in the crack in the 
large sign over the bulkhead, as well as varnishing with a 
composition that will stand the wreath er, you may have the 
work. We must clean the woodwork before you can prop- 
erly paint it, so should like a few days' notice of your begin- 
ning the work. (67) 

Very truly, 

Mr. Robert N. Dunbar, Supt., 180. 

Motive Power C. C. Works, 
St. Louis, Mo. 
Dear Sir : 

The present boilers at the Madison Avenue Work& 
were placed in service in 1885, and, on account of their age 
and present condition, I think the question of their replace- 
ment should now be considered. I inclose you herewith 
lithograph form showing the location of patches on these 



Building Operations and Repaies. 97 

boilers. The inclosed blue print shows how two 60^'' sta- 
tionary boilers could be put in by tearing down the present 
brick stack and extending the boiler house 7^ IV^. Will 
you please advise what you will do in the matter. (90) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Edward Pyle, 181. 

Lansing, Mich. 
Dear Sir : 

We will furnish and erect in dwelling houses in Lan- 
sing, fourteen brass tube dumb waiters, to run from the 
basement to the first floor, to have hard wood cars with two 
compartments 20 x 24^^^, and to have speaking tubes. The 
dumb waiters are to be first-class in every respect, as shown 
on page 20 in our catalogue — price $850. We do not include 
in this estimate the forming of well holes, tables at base, 
hood at top, inclosures, or any carpenter or cabinet work. 

Hoping to receive the order, we are (95) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Howard Dixon, • 182. 

Sioux City, lo. 
Dear Sir : 

The iron work and general drawings, as well as the 
elevations and perspective for the proposed office building are 
in such shape that I can make a definite engagement to meet 
you at your office on the 17th instant, between nine and ten 
o'clock a. m. This design I believe to be the handsomest 
of its kind in the city, but it has taken extreme care and 
study to avoid clashing in the matter of iron columns, beams, 
windows, electric wires, and plumbing work. Have you 
thought of a name for the building ? (93) 

Yours truly. 



98 Classified Commeecial Coreespondence. 

The West End Mfg. Co. , 183. 

Grand Rapids, Mich. 
Gentlemen : 

We inclose letter of approval from the Bureau of 
Building Inspection, Department of Public Safety, cover- 
ing our elevator work recently completed on premises owned 
and occupied by you, thus showing the work to be satisfac- 
tory and according to law. The department withheld 
approval because they found fault with the overhead plat- 
forms. Our contract plainly states that you are to provide 
overhead platforms, so we had nothing to do with this por- 
tion of the work. When this was called to the attention of 
the Bureau of Building Inspection, they immediately issued 
approval. 

Soliciting your future contracts, we remain (97) 

Very truly yours. 

The Hopkins Contracting and Building Co. , 184. 

Fort Wayne, Ind. 
Gentlemen : 

I notice that you have sent local Brandywine stone for 
the base course of the oil and waste house. Since we are in a 
hurry for this building I will allow that stone to go in, the 
bricks to be used having a radius of 4^^ ; but in the paint 
storage house and buffing house, for both of which build- 
ings you have the contracts, you must use a blue stone base 
course and rounded bricks having a radius of 3^^. This is 
necessary to preserve uniformity of construction, on account 
of the proximity of these houses to the original buildings. 

Yours truly, (102) 

Mr. Frederick Stevens, 185. 

Detroit, Mich. 
Dear Sir : 

I hear that you are considering the building of flats 
or housekeeping tenements in this city. I inclose my card 



Building Opeeations and Eepaies. 99 

and would like to meet you with a view to developing your 
plans. A building of this character has just been completed 
under my supervision, and I know this form of residence 
to be profitable and popular. If properly arranged, with 
well-lighted, cheerful rooms, the apartments will be taken 
at once. I can plan and build structures of this kind, 
either by sub-contract or general contract, giving personal 
attention to all of the work. Having made a careful study 
of this subject, I am prepared to satisfy you in every way. 

Very truly yours, (H^) 

Mr. George Yerkes, 186. 

McKeesport, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

On October 3 I wrote you in regard to the poor paint- 
ing done by your men on the structural steel work for 
roundhouse, B. & M. Shops. As yet I have had no answer 
from you in regard to this matter. Does your company pro- 
pose to repaint this structure satisfactorily, or shall I employ 
men to do this work, charging the cost to you and deducting 
the amount from your contract price ? It is imperative that I 
have a prompt answer from you', so as to know what action 
to take in the matter. As I wrote your company before 
writing you, I cannot make final payment on this work 
until the painting is satisfactorily done. ( 114) 

Yours truly, 
Mr. Edwin Barnes, 187. 

Topeka, Kan. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to the inclosed report of inspection, No. 
327, issued by the Bureau of Public Supervision, in regard 
to the belt-driven elevator in your factory, we would say 
that we have made a thorough examination of the apparatus 
and have prepared you our price for the various items men- 
tioned on this report. 



L.ofC. 



100 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

The overhead platform, which your representative 
agreed to provide, and the present counterweight wheels or 
sheaves, which may remain as they are, are not included in 
this estimate. The matter of the counterweight wheels or 
sheaves was discussed with the Supervising Inspector, who, 
as you will see, has noted in red this concession. 

Our price for doing this work, subject to the approval 
of the department, is $350. ( 122) 

Yours very truly. 

The Douglas Construction Co., 188. 

St. Paul, Minn. 
Gentlemen : 

There are a number of small things around our factory 
buildings that should be cleaned up immediately. To do 
this it will be necessary for you to send at least twenty-five 
or thirty carpenters. In the drying rooms there is a large 
amount of work to be done, and as we are eager to use these 
rooms, the work should be done speedily. There are a large 
number of louvres in the ventilators yet to go in, and no 
sashes or doors have been hung, nor have the cement door 
sills been placed. The sash weights and cord for the win- 
dows must be there not later than Friday morning. 

Mr, Corbett's very small force of men must be increased 
promptly in order that the various buildings may be com- 
pleted in the shortest possible time. (^35) 

Yours truly. 

The E. E. Moulton Co., 189. 

Fall River, Mass. 
Dear Sirs : 

In answer to your questions concerning the construc- 
tion of the office and storeroom building, I send the instruc- 
tions I gave your foreman, as follows : 

1. The vault doors will open inwards, as shown on 



Building Operations and Repairs. 101 

the detailed plan, the general plan having been changed to 
conform with this interior opening. 

2. The counter-sunk rivets at the arch in the vault 
doors will be put in as shown, there being a f^"' horizontal 
steel plate below the inside of the brick arch to hold these 
counter-sunk rivets. 

3. The floor joist carrying the first floor where they 
enter the arches from the cellar windows will be carried by 
double trimmers spanning the cellar window openings. 
These trimmers can be supported in the centre on the off-set 
in the brick wall forming the small pier between the cellar 
windows. 

This, I think, will answer all your questions. 

Yours truly, (146) 

Mr. Herbert Chapman, 190. 

Springfield, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

Since our conversation relative to the proposed apart- 
ment house I have devoted considerable time and thought 
to the subject, and have sketched a set of fioor plans appli- 
cable to your purposes and location. This I have done not 
to anticipate the work suggested by yourself or to urge or 
hasten the matter beyond your wishes, but to make possible 
a comparison of thought, which is sometimes helpful. I 
have endeavored to reach a plan that will be acceptable to 
the tenants of this city, and I shall be glad to compare and 
discuss views at your convenience. One of the new apart- 
ment houses in New York, which I lately examined, con- 
tains a general kitchen with serving rooms and dining rooms 
on each floor. While this plan may be somewhat more 
elaborate than you desire, it has some excellent points. 

Thanking you for your kind consideration of the past, 
and awaiting your further commands, I remain (155) 

Very truly yours. 



102 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

The Henry C. Jaynes Co., 191. 

Buffalo, N. Y. 
Gentlemen : 

As we telephoned you this morning, we expect to 
complete the riveting of the structural steel work for the 
joining shop on Saturday, May 21. Will you therefore 
kindly arrange to have a force of bricklayers ready to start 
on this building on Monday, May 23. The structural steel 
work for the planing mill will all be in place by to-morrow. 
It will probably take a week or ten days to rivet this work, 
and then we will be ready for bricklayers on this building. 
I will send you the exact date later, and shall expect a force 
of bricklayers to begin the brick work on the date specified. 

I noticed yesterday that the mortar coloring for the 
finishing shop was brown rather than red. As this work 
has begun, I suppose it would be better to continue the 
building with the brown color ; but on the other buildings 
please instruct Mr. Foley to send us red coloring. (159) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Weston & Sou, 192. 

Chicago, 111. 
Gentlemen : 

Referring to the contract dated October 1, 1903, for 
furnishing and erecting the steel work for the coal trestle in 
power house, roof trusses in storage house, roof trusses and 
partition in repair house, and columns and beams in office 
building at the Chicago Car Shops, I will be glad if you will 
do the work in this order : 

First, get out the roof trusses and partition in the 
repair house ; next, the columns and beams in the office 
building ; next, the roof trusses in the storage house ; and 
then the structural steel for the coal trestles. The roof 



Automobiles. 103 

trusses and partition in the repair house I would like to 
have within the next two weeks, as we expect to start the 
brick work for that building not later than Monday of next 
week. 

You will greatly oblige us if you can arrange to get 
all this material out of the shop and have it on the ground 
ready to use when needed. (163) 

Yours truly. 



Automobiles. 



The North American Basket Company, 193. 

Galesburg, III. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter of the 15th instant was received. • We are 
forwarding you by express one form for automobile baskets, 
to fit our Type IX car. This form is for one hand only ; the 
baskets, of course, will be needed in rights and lefts. The 
curved portion of the form fits against the tonneau, while 
the hinges for the cover are placed on the outer or straight 
side of the basket. Kindly return the form to us when you 
have taken the dimensions and patterns. (84) 

Very truly yours, 

Messrs. Joseph Lippincott's Sons, 194. 

Ironton, O. 
Gentlemen : 

We wish to order drop forgings for the dummy 
springs which fit into the ends of the pressed steel frames. 
Are your dies in readiness so that you can furnish us with 
a short section of each end of frame ? If so, we will make 
wooden patterns of our dummy springs so that the die 



104 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

makers can exactly fit our frames. We want only a short 
portion of each end, but must have the curves in order to 
fit the f orgings. Kindly let us hear from you at once on 
this subject. 

Very truly yours, ( 92 ) 

The Continental Steel Co., 195. 

Eahway, N. J. 
Gentlemen : 

The shipment of steel castings just received from you 
is very unsatisfactory. Fully one-half of them are rough 
and full of blow holes and sand pits. Such castings are of 
no value in automobile construction. Also, we notice that 
you have placed your pattern numbers on the castings. As 
we have notified you several times, this arrangement con- 
flicts with our figure numbers and confuses our customers. 
Hereafter please see that the numbers are left off. 

Since you have already kept us waiting so long, 
we trust that you will give this matter your immediate 
attention. (95) 

Very truly yours. 

The Mcllvaine Gear Company, Inc., 196. 

Milwaukee, Wis. 
Gentlemen : 

Your letter with inclosed sketches and suggestions 
was received yesterday. We are sending you under separate 
cover a socket that fits into the cylinder of our engine ; the 
question of spark plug design we leave entirely with you. 
From the socket you can see exactly what is needed, and 
we believe that your standard plug with metric thread 
would easily fit our socket, provided the thread was made 
to suit. We send you one of our spark plug bases simply 



Automobiles. 105 

to show the size of thread needed ; but the length of plug, 
as shown by socket, is not at all necessary, as you will see 
from the cylinder socket. 

Hoping that the spark plug socket will give you all 
the information you require, we remain (125) 

Yours truly. 

The Heishey Automobile Works, 197. 

Waterbury, Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

On taking off the burner of my automobile on Satur- 
day I found that about half the burners are burned and the 
holes closed up ; also, that the sheet-iron circular box inclos- 
ing the fire is so warped and twisted that it cannot be used 
again. Your circular, in giving the price of the Indian- 
apolis burner, says — " With pilot and generator, $5 extra.'' 
I do not understand just what the generator is, unless it is 
this inclosing sheet -iron box. The circular also gives the 
size of the burners in inches. Does the size refer to the 
diameter of the burner alone, or does it include the two-inch 
rim around the burner ? 

Kindly let me know about this soon, as the machine 

cannot be used without a new burner. (129) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. Howard Cunningham, 198. 

Utica, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

Hearing that you are interested in power trucks, we 
are sending you our catalogue under separate cover. For 
steam raising purposes our vehicles use ordinary fuel oil, a 
gallon of which will carry our four-ton machine a mile. 
We are now using broad tires, those on the driving wheels 
being 6^^ wide, and those on the forward wheels 4Y^ wide. 



106 Classified Commekcial Correspondence. 

The wheel is of the military type, with an extra inner steel 
rim to support the wood felloe. This combination makes a 
stronger wheel than any other we have yet seen. If you 
need a larger machine, we would say that we are building, 
on order, a machine of 50 h. p., ten tons capacity, with a 
total loading platform of 116 sq. ft. A description of this 
machine will be forwarded to you if you wish it. 

Trusting that this information may be of use to you, 
we are (154) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. William T. Pickett, 199. 

Chillicothe, O. 
Dear Sir : 

Having been informed that you are about to purchase 
an automobile, we wish to interest you in our product and 
invite you to visit the works and inspect thoroughly the 
methods employed in the construction of our machines. 

Our Type X Speedway is an American car built for 
travel on American roads, and while it embodies the best 
features of the imported models, it has none of the disadvan- 
tages of cars that are made only for good roads. A car which 
will make short trips or extended tours over all sorts of roads, 
with a minimum number of mishaps, readjustments, and 
repairs, is the ideal motor vehicle. The good results obtained 
from our cars are due to the care exercised in their manufac- 
ture. The materials are the best that can be secured, and 
absolute accuracy is made possible by our system of inspec- 
tion, which is so thorough that only the finest workmanship^ 
is accepted. All parts are interchangeable and numbered 
so that parts may be duplicated at any time. 

Although reliability is the most important feature, it is 
by no means the only one to be considered. Graceful lines, 
handsome finish, and comfortable and convenient accommoda- 



Railroads. 107 

tions have had our careful attention. The tonneau is roomy 
and luxurious and the front seats are individual. The 
upholstering is of the best quality of hair and leather, the 
cushions being padded on top of springs. The regular 
finish of the car is dark red or olive green, v^ith gold stripes 
and brass trimmings. Where desired, the car can be fitted 
with side baskets, an extra seat on the rear door, and 
detachable dust shield. 

We inclose pamphlets describing our latest models, 
and trust that you will be sufficiently interested to favor us 
with your inquiries. (291) 

Yours truly, 



Railroads. 



Rev. Wallace Blynn, D.D., 200. 

Shenandoah, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Hearing that you contemplate taking a western trip, 
we take the liberty of addressing you to ask if we may be of 
any service in selecting your route or making your sleeping 
car reservations. 

If you will inform us just what points you intend to 
visit , we shall be very glad to quote you rates and any other 
information that you may desire. 

Trusting that we may have the pleasure of hearing 
from you, we remain C^G) 

Yours truly, 

Henry B. Wellington, Adjutant-General, 20 L 

Memphis, Tenn. 
Dear Sir : 

Replying to your letter of January 2, I wish to inform 
you that the charges on headquarters and company baggage 



108 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

from Tapley and Brompton Junction to Memphis have been 
eliminated. Our claim is therefore reduced to $965.30, 
which reduction will, I trust, enable you to pass the bill 
and let us have remittance to cover the revised charges. 

Yours truly, (58) 

Mr. Henry Buzby, Supt., 202. 

Salina, Kan. 
Dear Sir : 

I understand that conductor James Lindsay, who has 
charge of our shifting crew at the Junction Shops, delivered 
to Walker & Co. car A No. 1367, loaded with sand, which 
was consigned to the American Construction Co. He was 
told three or four times -that this car was for the American 
Company and was requested to place it so they could unload 
it. In spite of all instructions, however, he arbitrarily 
insisted on delivering the car to Walker & Co. I should be 
glad if you would take him to task for this and instruct him 
that in the future he must deliver cars to the right con- 
signee. ( 106 ) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Edward B. Burns, 203. 

Roundhouse Foreman, 
Pittsburg , Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

We have discontinued, for the summer, the use of 
steam heat on passenger trains. Will you arrange to have 
a weekly test made of the vacuum pumps on locomotives at 
ijhe roundhouses, in order that the pumps may be kept in 
good condition for heating purposes. The steam heat 
hose are not to be removed from the rear tenders. We have 
already written to the road foreman, asking him to instruct 



Railroads. 109 

his engineers to carry light steam pressure on the coupler 
between engine and tender, so that the joints may wear 
evenly and not shoulder. (95) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Richard Wilson, 204. 

New York. 
Dear Sir : 

The Empire Dynamite Co., Dover, Del., are shipping 
high explosives in carloads to Fon duLac, Wis., which are 
being handled on the rates of Milw^aukee locals, the Lehigh 
Valley applying 69 cents per cwt., Thompson's Point, N. J. 
to Milwaukee, Wis., allowing the C. M. &St. P. the regular 
proportion of this rate. 

Will you please telegraph promptly informing us if 
we shall acxjept shipments on this basis, applying second- 
class rate of 20 cents per cwt., Milwaukee to Fon du Lac, 
Wis. On an even basis, we shall undoubtedly be able to 
secure future business to our line. (100) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. George M. Perkins, Foreman, 205. 

Denver, Col. 
Dear Sir : 

Will you please note the inclosed correspondence. 
Your oil man, it appears, has, without any authority, been 
giving out 500 degree oil to shifting engines. The reason 
he gives for this is that he cannot get sufficient heat to warm 
the lubricating oil so as to get it out of the tank. This is a 
very poor excuse, for if it were necessary we could have sent 
him some of this oil. Please give him distinct instructions 
that, in the future, he must not act on his own responsibility 
in such a matter. Be kind enough to return the inclosed 
papers when they have answ^ered your purpose. (1^6) 

Yours truly. 



110 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

North Bend Railroad Co., 206. 

Montgomery, Ala. 
Dear Sirs : 

Inclosed is check No. 670, on the Exchange National 
Bank, to the order of the North Bend Railroad Co., for 
$1,026.70. This amount covers the account for freight 
transportation furnished the National Guard of Alabama, 
April 2 to May 13, for account of Industrial Disturbances, 
as per State Military Board voucher, duly executed and filed 
in this office. The voucher as originally rendered was 
$1,051.70, but a reduction of $25 has been made in accord- 
ance with the communication of Mr. Hare, Auditor Traffic 
Receipts, dated July 5. The voucher is inclosed herewith 
to be receipted. Kindly return it promptly, together with 
attached papers. (108) 

Yours very respectfully, 

Mr. William Prince, 207. 

Virginia City, Nev. 
Dear Sir : 

"Will you take your corps, borrowing some men from 
Mr. Darragh, and make a survey showing Union Station, 
with all the connected outbuildings, the train shed, with all 
the tracks both in the train shed and in the yards to the 
northward, and Canal Street and Front Street in relation to 
Union Station. We want elevations showing top of rails, 
floor in waiting room, surface of street, and also the curb 
lines of both Canal Street and Front Street. In fact, we 
want a complete topographical survey in the vicinity of 
Union Station, from which plans for enlargement can be pre- 
pared. Locate at once all the piers under both Canal Street 
bridge and Front Street bridge, and note which spans of Canal 
Street bridge are the bowstring trusses. Your elevations 



Eaileoads. Ill 

you can get from a G. N. & W. bench mark, at the bottom 
of one of the piers under Canal Street bridge. I will send 
you the elevation of bench mark to-morrow. (160) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Samuel Lambert, 208. 

Auburn, N. Y, 
Dear Sir : 

When I called upon you yesterday and requested to 
have the siding at Bradford Station, on your Eastern divi- 
sion, extended to the northward, the watchman's box and 
the freight platform moved, I omitted an important point. 
This is the providing of a temporary road crossing south of 
the present grade crossing, to be used while we are building 
the overhead bridge at this point. This road will leave the 
present public road at the mill, cross over the dam breast, 
thence pass through the present platform on the north bound 
side south of the shelter shed, cross the tracks, and thence 
pass out again through our property to the public road. To 
make this road will require cutting away a section of 20 or 
25 feet of the present platform on the north bound tracks, 
and placing planks for the wagon crossing. The watch- 
man's box will then have to be moved from present grade 
crossing to the new location. 

I trust you can arrange to do this soon. (168) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. John Middleton & Sons, Agents, 209. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

Inclosed please find check from Findlay Spoke Works, 
Findlay, Ohio, for $90.61. This amount covers the ocean 
freight on shipment of oak spokes in car No. 98677, A. & B. 
R. R., transferred from car No. 8762, K. & M. R. R., con- 



112 Classified Commeecial Cokrespondence. 

signed to London, Eng., via Traders' Despatch to Phila- 
delphia, to apply on John R. Graham's contract No. 901, 
with Philadelphia Trans- Atlantic Line. 

Shipment consists of 82 packages of oak spokes, weigh- 
ing 58,462 lbs., at ocean rate of 15 J per 100 lbs. Billed on 
Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Philadelphia, Traders' Despatch, 
Wabash R. R. No. 10, January 5, and covered by my export 
lading No. 19, dated December 19. Car was held in transit 
on account of embargo on N. Y. C. & St. L. R. R. 

Please acknowledge receipt of check, and oblige 

Yours truly, (135) 

Mr. Benjamin Seeler, 210. 

Freight Claim Agent, 
Baltimore, Md. 
Dear Sir : 

Herewith are returned all of the papers in claim of 
Ritchie & Co. , for alleged overcharge on shipment of grain 
from Chicago, 111., to Baltimore. 

We have given this matter thorough investigation but 
fail to see that the line east of Buffalo, N. Y. is at all inter- 
ested in the claim. As you are no doubt aware, it was 
agreed by all roads included in the White Line that the line 
east of Buffalo should be allowed 9 cents out of the through 
rate of 23 cents. As line settlement was made on that basis, 
any overcharge existing over the 23-cent rate must be 
refunded by the roads west of Buffalo or the Lake Line, by 
whichever route the shipment moved. 

This question has been considered by our Auditing 
Department and their decision is that settlement was made 
on the 9-cent basis. We will therefore close our files in the 
above claim. (156) 

Yours truly. 



Railroads. 113 

Assistant General Freight Agent, 211. 

Southern Pacific Railway Co., 
New Orleans, La. 
Dear Sir : 

Referring to your inquiry about the iron shipped from 
our siding at Belmont on January 16, billed to Los Angeles, 
Cal. , we would say that shipment left Belmont on the fast 
freight from Wayne Junction, Philadelphia, over the Beth- 
lehem division, at 6 a. m. on January 17. It was billed 
as follows : Lehigh Valley, car No. 23678 ; Pennsylvania, 
car No. 15691 ; and New York, New Haven and Hartford, 
car No. 68752. They were shipped as follows : Wayne 
Junction to Bethlehem over the P. & R. R..R. , transferred 
at Bethlehem to Lehigh Yalley. Then from Bethlehem to 
Chicago, 111. , they went by the following lines : Bethlehem 
to Buffalo over Lehigh Valley ; Buffalo to Chicago over Lake 
Shore and Michigan Central ; Chicago to Los Angeles over 
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. 

In returning cars to their several lines, please bill 
them as follows : Lehigh Valley car to New York ; Pennsyl- 
vania car to Harrisburg ; and New York, New Haven and 
Hartford car to New Haven, Conn. (162) 

Very truly yours. 

The Godfrey Iron Co., 212. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sirs : 

Replying to your letter of the 7th instant, I send you 
the following rates on the commodities named, subject to 
rules and conditions of the official classification and uniform 
bill of lading. The rate will also be subject to change with- 
out specific notice, and unless otherwise specified, will 
apply only from tracks or stations of the P. & R. R. R. 

On cast iron pipe, from Philadelphia to Seaford, Md., 



114 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

in carloads, minimum weight 24,000 pounds, the rate is 
10 cents per 100 pounds ; carloads weighing less, 15 cents. 

On pig iron from Endley, Ala. , to Philadelphia, in 
carloads, minimum weight 15 gross tons or over, the present 
ralTe is $5.65 per gross ton. As this rate is likely to change 
at any time we cannot guarantee it indefinitely, and would 
suggest that you confer with us before basing any large con- 
tracts on the above figures. 

On moulding sand, from Philadelphia to Pottstown, 
Pa., the rate will be $1.25 per 2,000 pounds, in carloads, 
minimum weight 30,000 pounds. (177) 

Yours truly, 



The Eureka Manufacturing Co., 213. 

Troy, N. Y. 
Dear Sirs : 

Our attention has been called, by our pier agent at 
New York, to shipments from you to various consignees via 
Regent Line. The shipments eventually reach our line, but 
only after an investigation are we able to forward them 
without overcharge. It is necessary in order to avoid this 
delay and possible overcharge, to consign Regent Line ship- 
ments in care of D. L. Joyce, 219 Broadway, New York. 
Shipments so consigned we transfer by our own system 
from the railroad company's pier to Regent Line pier, and 
we are careful to have all such freight collected promptly 
and transferred to Regent Line pier in order to get advan- 
tage of our tri- weekly steamer service. You can readily see 
that if some other company attends to this transfer, they are 
at liberty to take their own time and charge excessively. 
This would possibly cause an overcharge on the shipment, 
and necessitate consignee paying more than he should for 
his freight upon arrival at destination. If you will use the 



Oils. 115 

rubber stamp and stencil we have sent you in marking your 
shipping receipts and packages, you will note a decided 
improvement in service. 

Hoping this may receive your careful attention, we 
are (205) 

Yours truly, 

Agent. 



Oils. 

Mr. Oliver Gleason, 214. 

Independence, Mo. 
Dear Sir : 

We wish to say that our laboratory has tested your 
sample of signal oil, and finds that in its component parts it 
is a standard grade of goods. Signal oil is a compounded oil 
and, if allowed to stand too long, deteriorates very materi- 
ally in its burning qualities. This is due to a chemical 
transformation, the animal oil becoming more or less rancid, 
and consequently causing the effectiveness and brilliancy of 
the light to be materially impaired. 

The signal oil which Mr; Goebel now has in stock is 
fresh, and we feel confident that it will serve you satis- 
factorily. (99) 

Yours very truly. 

The Morse- Wagner Co. , 215. 

New Haven, Conn. 
Gentlemen : 

We are informed by the Excelsior Steam Turbine Co., 
of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., that they are shipping you one of 
their turbine engines, and, at their request, we are sending 
you by express, prepaid, a five-gallon can of our Special Tur- 
bine Oil. It is a special oil, prepared for the running of tur- 
bine engines, and embraces physical properties not embodied 



116 Classified Commeecial Coeeespondence. 

in the average engine oil. The Excelsior Company has been 
using this oil in their plant since its erection, and has found 
it preferable to many other oils for this class of work. We 
guarantee uniform and satisfactory results. The price is 26 
cents per gallon, in barrels, f. o. b. New Haven. 

Trusting that you will use this sample, and that we 
may have your orders, we remain (130) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Joseph T. Sellers, 216. 

Yonkers, N. Y. 
Dear Sir : 

There has been such a decided change in the crude 
oil situation, and so great an advance in the cost of crude 
petroleum, that it is absolutely necessary for us to advance 
our price on zero black oil to 10| cents per gallon to cover 
the cost of the material. For the past six months we have 
been selliog you this oil at a slight loss because of receiving 
other orders from you. We feel sure that you do not expect 
us to sell goods below cost, and since we make this plain 
statement of the case, we trust we may continue to receive 
your orders for this black oil, even at the slightly advanced 
price. 

The advance in crude has not greatly affected the 
other oils, and we should be pleased to fill your orders for 
the cylinder and engine oils at former prices. (147) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Hibbs & Co., 217. 

London, Eng. 
Dear Sirs : 

Since our letter of the 23d ult., we have received 
your cablegram making us an offer of £17.10 for ten tons 
dark 'green Sicily, to be delivered during the first half of 
the months of September, November, and January. 



Oils. 



117 



I now wish to confirm our cablegram refusing this 
offer, our reason being that the order includes two deliveries 
which could not be made except with new oil, and no 
manufacturer is now prepared to sell new oil, even at £20. 
Another drawback to the fulfillment of your order is the 
requirement that the oil be dark green. At this season of 
the year Sicilian oil of the best quality is light green. If 
you desire to change your time limit so as to enable us to 
buy Tuscan or Bari oil, or if you will accept the pale Sicilian 
at £18, we may be able to supply you with any quantity 
up to 200 barrels for September and October shipment. We 
can assure you that there is no prospect of a decline in the 
price of oil this season. (184) 

Yours truly, 



Mr. John Mayberry, 218. 

Zanesville, O. 
Dear Sir : 

We have yours of the 1st instant, inclosing letter 
from Mr. Shannon regarding the Girard Mfg. Co. We 
suggest that you quote them the following prices : 

40 cts. per gallon. 



C. Cylinder Oil, 

Amber Cylinder Oil, 

Jupiter Valve Oil, 

Heavy Machine Oil, 

Spermo B. Engine Oil, 

Heavy Castor Machine Oil, 

Dark Lubricating Oil, 

Car and Axle Grease, 

Crank Pin Grease, 

Kerosene Oil, 

These figures may appear to be a considerable increase 
over last year's quotations, but the general advance in the 
crude oil market makes it necessary for us to advance our 



33 
32 

19 
19 
19 
11 

2 
20 



pound. 



(Lowest market price. 



118 Classified Commeecial Correspondence. 

prices. On orders for immediate delivery there would be 
but a slight increase, but on contracts made for a year, we 
could not take last year's figures as a basis. On any con- 
tracts which you make, demand the full price, as there will 
soon be an unusual advance on all grades of oil. (158) 

Yours very truly, 



Shipping. 

The Acme Oil Works, 219. 

Franklin, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

On lubricating oil, Philadelphia to Liverpool, we 
quote the rate of 2/- and 5 % primage per barrel, carload lots. 
We have room for a couple of cars on the "Theresa,'^ 
appointed to sail October 17, or the '^Helena," appointed 
to sail October 24, If you will advise us promptly we will 
reserve room on either one you may select. (62) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Allen Snell, 220. 

General Foreign Freight Agent, 
Boston, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

We received your letter of yesterday, and have already 
taken up the question of the embargo of Messrs. Anton 
Klatz & Co. against our line Our Liverpool agents, we 
hope, will be able to refute any objections that these gentle- 
men may have against us. Of course, if the embargo exists 
on account of the differential in favor of Baltimore and New- 
port News, we are powerless to raise it. ( 68) 

Yours truly, 



Shipping. 119 

Messrs. Hamrick & Bros., 221. 

Norfolk, Va. 
Gentlemen : 

We wish to inform you of the clearance of schooner 
^'Starlight " from St. Johns, with lath consigned to Messrs. 
Black & Prime of your city, and we inclose herewith bills 
of lading, custom house receipt, invoice and tally sheet, and 
the necessary affidavits. The consignees will provide wharf- 
age, and we wish you to notify them at once upon arrival of 
the schooner. As it is very important that she should be 
here again by March 1, you may charter the vessel for a 
cargo of coal at 75 cents to any port east of Boston. (95) 

Yours respectfully, 

Mr. D. J. Loomis, 222. 

Fi eight Claim Agent, 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

On May 6 we sent you our claim No. 3676 (your 
claim 10221), for $9.28 for one barrel of asphalbum short 
delivery to S. S. ^ ' Penmar, ' ' voyage 157, February 19, 1904, 
account T. R. Lobb, bill of lading 102, dated St. Louis, 
January 13, 1904. The case is so clear that the consignees 
cannot understand the delay, and are growing very impa- 
tient as to the settlement of this matter. 

If possible, send us by return mail your check for 
the amount ; otherwise please make a concise statement of 
the claim so that we may report to Antwerp. (HI) 

Yours truly, 

The Eastern Oil Company, 223. 

Oil City, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Owing to the increased demand for steam tonnage in 
the transatlantic trade, due largely to the heavy traffic in 



120 Cl7.S£Ified Commercial Correspondence. 

iron, we have been unable to charter any of this class of 
vessels for your December shipments to Japan. We can, 
however, secure several French barks which would suit the 
requirements, provided you intend to ship the oil in cases. 
Four of these vessels with chalk from Dunkirk are due here 
within the next six weeks. The voyage to Japan would be 
accomplished in from 125 to 150 days ; but if you are pre- 
pared to load the oil, we will guarantee to clear all of these 
vessels by the middle of November. The barks ^' Brittora '^ 
and '^ Louise '' are now at this port awaiting orders ; their 
capacity is about 80,000 cases each, and the terms from this 
port to Japan would be 18J cents, or 19j cents for two 
ports. Kindly let us know as soon as possible your decision 
in this matter. (166) 

Yours respectfully, 



Mrs. Wm. R. Kirkland, 224. 

Cincinnati, O. 
Dear Madam : 

Replying to your letter of the 16th inst., I inclose 
rates, sailings, state-room plans, and booklet describing the 
accommodations on the Devon Line steamers sailing from 
this port to Liverpool. 

You will notice that our passengers are placed in the 
most comfortable part of the vessel, and have the best ser- 
vice. The bill of fare, though less elaborate than on some 
of the higher-priced steamers, is nevertheless excellent. 
Many eminent passengers highly commend the table, the 
cleanliness of the steamers, and the careful attention of the 
officers and stewards. We can sell you tickets at rates 
quoted on the accompanying slip, and will secure desirable 
berths upon sufficient notification. The round-trip rate is 



Shipping. 121 

the sum of the east and west bound fares, less ten per cent, 
of the west bound fare. 

If you decide to take passage, and will let us know 
when to expect you, we can have some one meet you on your 
arrival at the station to conduct you to the steamer. ( 166) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Samuel Bailey & Co., 225. 

Honolulu, Hawaii. 
Gentlemen : 

We had the pleasure of mailing you by the steamer 
* ' Honduras, ' ' advertised to sail on the 12th instant, the 
original of the duplicate herewith inclosed. This duplicate 
we held until to-day that it might go by way of New York. 
We had been hoping to receive information relative to the 
sailing of the ' ' Corona, ' ' which has been held for repairs. 
As the shipping reports did not list this boat as cleared yes- 
terday, we this morning telegraphed our agents, who replied 
that the " Corona " will sail on Saturday, the 20th. This 
is an unfortunate though unavoidable delay, but we will 
cable you promptly of the date of her sailing. 

In regard to the error in your letter of the 16th ult., 
we cabled in response to your cable that all export orders 
come under the regular export rules. F. o. b. does not 
cover boxing and strapping, but merely hauling to the sta- 
tion or steamship wharf. Referring to quotation, ' ' when 
boxing is covered by f . o. b.," we say ^' boxed f. o. b.,'' 
which clearly means free of cartage, drayage, or hauling. 

The original of your letter of September 3 was received 
yesterday. We fully appreciate the paragraphs under- 
scored, and thank you for the kind expression of your appre- 
ciation of our success in filling your orders. (215) 

Yours very truly, 



122 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

Messrs. A. B. Gould & Co., 226. 

Philadelphia, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

Am. S. S. "• Cavalier.'" 

We hereby make you a firm offer of the American S. S. 
^* Cavalier," subject to our receiving your reply by 10 a. m. 
to-morrow, on time charter for one year, at the rate of three 
shillings and six pence (3/6) per ton on her dead weight 
capacity, to trade within the usual limits, as by the inclosed 
pro forma copy of charter party. The hire is to be paid 
semi-monthly in advance as customary ; the vessel is to be 
delivered to charterer at Philadelphia or New York, as 
ordered at Delaware Breakwater immediately on arrival of 
the vessel at that point. Time is to count from the time 
vessel reports at loading port ready to receive cargo. Lay 
days must not commence before November 15, and you have 
the option of cancelling charter party if vessel is not ready 
to receive cargo by noon on November 30. Vessel will pay 
you the customary address commission of 2 J per cent., to 
be deducted from each payment of hire. 

We inclose herewith a memorandum, giving partic- 
ulars of the steamer, and calling your especial attention to 
the large dead weight capacity of about 10,500 tons, and 
the cubic capacity of 602, 210 feet. Her speed loaded is 11 
to 11 J knots, on a consumption of 50 tons of coal per day of 
24 hours, but she can be driven up to 13 knots per hour on 
a consumption of 60 tons of coal per day. All of this should 
make her particularly desirable for your trade. 

Awaiting your favorable reply, we are (273) 

Yours very truly, 



Shipping. 123 

The Standard Grain Co. , 227. 

Milwaukee, Wis. 
Gentlemen : 

British S. S. ^* Sylvania.''^ 

We confirm our telegram of to-day, offering you 
firm the above steamer for a full cargo of heavy grain, about 
26,000 quarters, 10 per cent, more or less. The vessel is to 
load at Philadelphia, and to discharge at one of the usual 
picJied ports in the United Kingdom or on the Continent, 
viz : London, Leith, Tyne, Liverpool, Glasgow, Hull, 
Plymouth, Southampton, Avonmouth, Belfast, Dublin, 
Antwerp, Eotterdam, or Amsterdam, at the rate of two shil- 
lings and six pence (2/6) per quarter of 480 lbs. , delivered 
weight. Lay days are not to commence before the 10th 
prox.j and you are to have the option of cancelling the char- 
ter party if the steamer is not ready for cargo on or before 
the 25th prox. Berth term conditions are as usual. 

The steamer is now on passage from Java to Phila- 
delphia with a cargo of sugar. It passed Gibraltar on the 
18th inst., so it should arrive here by the 4th prox. On 
board are about 5,500 tons of sugar, and as this cargo will 
be discharged here at the rate of about 1,000 tons per day 
we estimate that the steamer will be ready for outward 
cargo about the 11th prox. 

The steamer's dead weight capacity is 6,410 tons. 
Deducting 125 tons for winter freeboard, and about 620 tons 
for bunker coals, she should carry about 5,665 tons of 
cargo. This offer is subject to our receiving your reply by 
11 a. m. to-morrow. 

Trusting you may be able to accept the steamer as 
offered, we are (273) 

Very truly yours, 



124 Classified Commercial Coerespondence. 

Metal Industries. 

TheEodman-BishopCo., 228. 

Falls of Schuylkill, Philadelphia. 
Gentlemen : 

Please quote us on a sample lot of 1,000 pounds, fol- 
lowed by an order of 5 tons of pickled and cold rolled soft 
Bessemer steel for cupping and drawing. The size of these 
sheets is not important^ and you may quote us on your 
cheapest widths not under 12^^. Please send us by express 
as soon as possible two sample sheets -^^^^ thick, as we 
desire to test them before placing our order. 

We await your prices and time of delivery on the 
above materials. (87) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Glenn & Son, 

Chicago, 111. 
Gentlemen : 229. 

As we have dismantled our bushelling furnaces, we 
have for sale about 75 tons of steel scrap shearings from 
circles, running from No. 10 to No. 16 wire gauge. This 
scrap we will cut in pieces that may be easily handled. If 
you desire to purchase any of this material, make us an 
offer for it. We shall have more of it from time to time 
from our circle machine. ( 70 ) 

Yours truly, 

Messrs. Hull & Wesson, 230. 

Pittsburg, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

We use large quantities of soft Bessemer and open 
hearth steel sheets and think that you can supply what we 
want. We are at present in the market for the following : 

About 4 tons, No. 11 B. & S. Gauge, 4^^ wide. 



Metal Industeies. 125 

About 3 tons, No. 14 B. & S. Gauge, 3^^^ wide. 

About 5 tons, No. 15 B. & S. Gauge, 21^^ wide. 
Each specification is to be random length, flat or coiled. 

This is simply a sample order and if your prices and 
deliveries are satisfactory, we could place an order for this 
quantity a month, for a period of six months. Kindly tele- 
graph us on receipt of this letter, quoting your lowest 
prices f. o. b. mill, including freight rate to Philadelphia, 
and subject to a 2J% commission to us ; also state deliveries 
after receipt of order. (136) 

Yours truly, 

The Fisher Malleable Iron Co. , 231. 

Milwaukee, Wis. 
Gentlemen : 

Referring to your telegram of yesterday with quota- 
tion for malleable guy clamps, not galvanized, we wish to 
say that the price named is too low. They will have to be 
furnished about 3J% Pittsburg and 3.60% New York, sub- 
ject to our 5% commission. These clamps are generally 
ordered in lots of from 10,000 to 20,000 pairs. As previ- 
ously explained, this is very desirable work, and as good as 
any railroad work that can be made on the bench. 

Kindly consider this matter and let us hear from 
you. (91) 

Yours very truly. 

The Southern Incandescent Gas Lamp Co., 232. 

Raleigh, N. C 
Gentlemen : 

Answering your letter of the 11th inst., we would 
say that we can give you a satisfactory aluminum solder. 
We send you herewith a circular describing this solder, 



126 Classified Commeecial Correspondence. 

which is used by all of the leading aluminum manufac- 
turers. We should suggest, however, thin copper tubes or 
even seamless drawn steel tubes for your lamp sides, instead 
of aluminum. Of course, we can give you aluminum tubes 
y^ in diameter, and shall be glad to have your order. We 
will buy back from you all of your aluminum scrap, and 
you may let us know how much you now have of this 
material for shipment. (104) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. Oscar McLaughlin, 233. 

Peoria, 111. 
Dear Sirs : 

From your letter of the 5th inst., we note that you 
are not at this time buying aluminum, but we presume that 
you will soon need a supply. As there has been a shortage 
of the metal lately, and as the market gives indications of 
another rise in price, we believe that it would be to your 
advantage to negotiate for a supply to cover your needs for 
six months or a year. We should be glad, therefore, to take 
your order for the quantity you will need, to be taken out 
as you want to use it from month to month . In this way 
you would protect your interest on the present market. 

Kindly let us hear from you in regard to this matter. 
Yours very truly, ( 124 ) 

The Joyce Boiler Works, 234. 

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to your letter of June 25, we would say that 
we have requested our Mr. Hunter to call on you in regard 
to the defective boiler iron. We go over all sheets carefully 
before they leave the mill, and have thrown out from 25 to 
30 per cent, of rolled sheets. We cannot understand why 



Metal Industries. 127 

^we should have complaints entered against sheets which 
have passed our inspection. We use the best grade of grey 
forge pig iron and roll on three high mills, and the output 
should be first-class. If we are to stand such loss on this 
material, we should get a price which would pay us for the 
loss, as the discarded sheets are worthless except for scrap. 
Our men, also, complain about the loss to them, as we do 
not pay wages for defective sheets. ( 141 

Yours truly, 

The Warden Chemical Co., 235. 

Portland, Me. 
Grentlemen : 

We ask your decision on the prices quoted you June 
"24 last on steel high test cylinders for liquid carbonic acid. 
The steady advance in the price of iron and steel products 
makes it necessary for us to withdraw our quotations from 
time to time. Our price book now shows that we must 
recall the prices last quoted you on these special cylinders. 
Therefore, if we do not hear from you by Saturday, Novem- 
ber 11, we shall have to consider this matter with you on a 
new basis of prices. 

Hoping that we may have a favorable reply, we 
xemain (100) 

Very truly yours, 

The Phelps & Mayben Co., 236. 

Norfolk, Ya. 
Oentlemen : 

Answering your letter of the 6th instant, we would 
say that our specialty is seamless cold drawn steel tanks, 
-shells, and domes, in diameters from 4 to 16 inches, and in 
lengths up to 5 feet. We can also make flanged heads, as 



128 Classified Commercial Coreespondence. 

this is practically the first process in drawing shells. We 
can, of course, give you steel circles in almost any diameter, 
for we have a large circular shear in operation for the cutting 
of such circles in the making of our tanks. Therefore, if 
you vnll tell us what you need, giving sizes, we can give 
you definite information as to prices. (104) 

Yours very truly, 

Messrs. Benj. T. Knight, Sons & Co., 237. 

Houston, Tex. 
Gentlemen : 

Answering your letter of yesterday, we would say 
that your tap reached us on the 5th instant. Fifty tanks 
on your order, however, had already been made up, tapped, 
and crated, and were shipped yesterday. These, of course,^ 
were made without your tap. 

In placing your original contract, you gave us a f ^^ 
tap of 18 threads to be used on the off-hole in the dome, and 
on the drain hole at the bottom of the tanks. You also gave 
us a piece of gas pipe which had been threaded, saying that 
you wished the centre spud to be tapped to fit the sample 
pipe. This has been done, and if there is any error we are 
not responsible. The tap you sent us will, of course, be used 
on the remainder of the tanks, (133) 

Yours very truly, 

The Springfield Manufacturing Co., 238. 

Springfield, Mass. 
Gentlemen : 

We received you letter of the 15th instant requesting 
price on 100- ton can plant for G. H. Tappan. 

Our price for a 100-ton plant, arranged with two 
16x24 machines, the plant to be standard in every other 
respect, is $49,500 f. o. b. Springfield. 



Metal Industries. 129 

For a 100-ton plate-plant, to consist of two 18x28 
tandem non-condensing machines, the freezing system to 
contain eighty -four 10x16 cells, one Corliss power engine 
10x20x24, 50 kilowatt generator, necessary motors for driv- 
ing tipping table, cutting rig, etc., air compressor with 
receiver, cooler and connections to freezing tank apart- 
ments, four 72x18 boilers and system, including ammonia 
and calcium, our price is $75,000 f. o. b. Springfield. 

We wish to call your attention to the fact that these 
figures are approximate, subject to increase ; as all the pipe 
and iron manufacturers have recalled their rates. (150) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Edward J. Hickok, 239. 

San Antonio, Tex. 
Dear Sir : 

Your order for the special fiange for the storage tank 
at the Austin Works has been entered, and will be shipped 
with the remainder of the material. We know that if all 
the parts for one particular system of the plant could be 
shipped at once, it would be more convenient for you ; but 
this is impossible, as we are so crowded at the factory. We 
note that some of the compressors did not have the flange 
tapped on both sides for the overflow connections. This 
mistake will not occur again. 

Referring to the Judson Plant, we would say that 
we will have the dumping and cutting tables ready in a 
week or ten days, but did not expect to ship them until all 
of the work was completed. We would then have the 
electrical work for the job complete. However, if you 
have any other suggestions, we should be glad to have 
them. (152) 

Yours truly, 



130 Classified Commekcial Coerespondence. 

Stocks and Investments. 

Mr. William Burkhart, 240. 

St. Paul, Minn. 
Dear Sir : 

By this mail we are sending you some printed mat- 
ter relating to our enterprise. The company is particularly 
fortunate in having associated with its management some 
of the leading officials and mining experts of the State of 
Idaho, whose counsel and influence will be of inestimable 
advantage to the company in its future operations. Should 
you think favorably of becoming an investor, we advise 
you to do so without delay, as only a limited amount of 
stock is offered at the present price, which will afterward 
be raised to $10 per share. (91) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. M. B. Hoyle, 241. 

Sioux City, Jo. 
My dear Sir : 

We are writing to impress upon you the importance 
of securing as much stock as possible in the Barren Moun- 
tain Gold Company. This company is outlining an opera- 
tion which will eventually make it one of the great gold 
mining companies in America, and a large dividend-earner 
for its stockholders. The Board of Directors have just 
decided to dispose of an additional limited amount of stock, 
the proceeds of which are to be used to complete payments 
on the new properties recently acquired by the company. 
This affords us an opportunity to offer the stock at the 
original price of $2.50 per share, and we advise you to send 
us your order before the stock set aside for this purpose is 
sold, after which the price will be much higher. (131) 

Very truly yours, 



Stocks and Investments. 131 

Mr. Howard Stover, 242. 

Eau Claire, Wis. 
Dear Sir : 

In looking over our list of customers, we notice that 
we have not as yet had the pleasure of numbering you 
among them. We therefore take this opportunity to urge 
you to open an account with us so that you may take 
advantage of a new project in which many of our clients are 
interested. The correctness of the information which we 
have given you from time to time should be a sufficient 
guarantee of the value of this suggestion. We have positive 
information in regard to this matter and we are just as con- 
fident of it as we were in regard to Alameda. This stock 
we can carry for you on a |5 per share margin, and we hope 
to receive a remittance from you to open an account, when 
we-will give you full particulars. 

Awaiting your early reply, we are (142) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. Daniel B. Curtin, 243. 

Marquette, Mich. . 
Dear Sir : 

When Mr. Howard Ferguson was here last July, he 
said that you had agreed to relieve him of 500 shares of 
stock of the Enterprise Motor Company. He gave me 
blank transfers to enable the 500 shares to be transferred to 
you if it were necessary that the subscription be taken in 
his name. He also left with me cash and stock sufficient to 
buy up the remaining 1200 shares. 

This morning I received from Messrs. Clyde & Co. a 
notification that Mr. Ferguson's obligation under the syndi- 
cate agreement may be discharged en or before September 
12, by the purchase from the Exchange Trust Company of 
700 shares of preferred stock of the Enterprise Motor Com- 



132 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

paDj, at par aud accrued interest. As I mentioned above, 
I am prepared to take 1200 shares, and ask if you will 
attend to the other 500, thus ending Mr. Ferguson's liability. 

Yours truly, (146) 

Louis J. Werner, Esq., 244. 

Reading, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

Having recently had the pleasure of some corre- 
spondence with you from our Boston office, we desire to 
renew our relations by the announcement of the opening of 
general offices in this city. The increase in our business 
has been so large that it has become necessary to extend our 
service, which will eventually include a private telegraph 
system from Boston to St. Louis, connected with interme- 
diate points. We trust that this move will find favor with 
our clientele throughout Pennsylvania and the adjoining 
States, and will benefit both them and ourselves. Our 
connections are such that orders will receive the best possi- 
ble attention, and our messages will be delivered by mail 
and telegraph without loss of time. We hope to receive a 
reply from you, with orders if possible. 

The stock market, although rather dull, has shown 
no signs of weakness. We strongly advise purchases of 
Union Pacific, Steel, and Copper. (150) 

Very respectfully yours, 

Mr. William Houghton, 245. 

Fall River, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

There is every indication of unprecedented business 
on the various exchanges this winter, with higher prices for 
stocks and securities, as well as for grain, cotton, and other 
commodities. The general prosperity of the country can be 



Stocks and Investments. 133 

seen on every hand ; the farmers were never so well off ; 
manufacturers are far behind in their orders ; mercantile 
business is unusually large ; while the railroads are block- 
aded with freight and are complaining of a shortage of 
freight cars. 

The demand for good stocks and securities is already 
greater than the supply, and after the marketing of this 
year's crop, we anticipate the greatest demand ever known 
for railroad stocks and other good securities. Our custom- 
ers have been very fortunate in following our advice on 
Manhattan. As we are in daily and hourly touch with all 
the contemplated moves, we are in a position to offer people 
having accounts with us the best possible service at all 
times and in all markets. 

We again call your attention to the low priced issues, 
hoping to secure a remittance from you which will place 
you in position to avail yourself of opportunities as they 
present themselves. Margins : On stocks |3 per share and 
upwards ; grain, 3 cents per bushel ; $1 per bale on cotton. 
Yours very respectfully, (208) 

Mr. Henry Goodrich, 246. 

Trenton, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

Although this market is dull, it is exhibiting won- 
derful strength. Reading seems to be the leading feature, 
and taking that as a leader we should advise buying the 
list on every recession. The low-priced shares will prob- 
ably be the first to respond to any marked movement. 
Erie seems to us to be a remarkably good purchase ; in a 
few months |50 a share will seem a low price for it. The 
coal situation is assuming a normal condition once more, 
and the coal-carrying roads, particularly Erie, will benefit 
by this improvement. 



134 Classified Commercial Coeeespondence. 

« 

Your attention is called to such stocks as Baltimore 
and Ohio, Union Pacific, and Anthracite Coal. These 
immense interests with their franchises alone, outside of all 
equipment, should in twenty years be worth more than the 
present quoted value of their stocks. Franchises for rail- 
roads are becoming very hard to obtain, and under present 
State administration will become more difficult from year 
to year. In the future, it would not be surprising to find a 
government ownership of all railroads ; in fact, prices and 
conditions point to that result. We strongly urge the pur- 
chase of the above stocks and also of the groups of Gould's^ 
i. e. Missouri Pacific, Missouri, Kansas and Texas, Texas 
Pacific, Wabash, and other issues. Send us your order 
before the next rise takes place. (218) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. A. J. Krause, 247. 

Atlantic City, N. J. 
Dear Sir : 

The course of the market to-day has again shown 
that there is little long stock pressing for sale. There is no 
organized bear party and the selling has been mostly by 
traders who assumed that there might be further complica- 
tions in foreign matters. As these troubles will doubtless 
soon be settled on a basis suiting all the nations involved, 
some better excuse should be given for the selling of stocks, 
and we look for a sharp rally in the market when the bears 
begin to cover. 

Pennsylvania was weak, but little if any long stock 
came out around 150 ; it should be bought for at least a 
three or four point rally. St. Paul, too, has been oversold, 
and around 178 we believe it to be an excellent purchase. 
The very best houses on the street are still buying Steel 
common, and stock bought at these prices will give a profit 



Stocks and Investments. 135 

of at least five points. All the stock allotted to the em- 
ployees of the National Steel Corporation has been subscribed 
for, and this is one of the strongest points for the bulls. 
The liquidation seems to be over in Eeading, and as there 
is still a large short interest outstanding, it would not be 
surprising to see this stock sell at 65 a share before the end 
of the week. If the present ease in the money market con- 
tinues, no severe reactions need be looked for. Taking 
everything into consideration, we believe that the standard 
railroad stocks are a sound investment at present prices and 
urgently advise their purchase. (263) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Samuel Maddox, 248. 

Grand Rapids, Mich, 
Dear Sir : 

The failure of the Aldrich bill to become a law had a 
slightly depressing effect on the stock market, but while we 
believe this law would have been for the best interests of the 
country. Wall Street in particular, we still think the failure 
to pass it is not irremediable; The country continues pros- 
perous. Eailroad earnings are increasing from month to 
month, and the failure of a currency bill cannot stop the 
unprecedented prosperity of the country. Every corpora- 
tion and every business man is making money. The rail- 
roads in many cases have advanced the wages of their em- 
ployees. To offset this, there has been an increase in freight 
rates, and the coming twelve months will see the net earn- 
ings of the railroads increase more than fifty million dollars 
over those shown last year. With such facts as these, there 
can be no bear market. 

The recent reaction was caused, as we have said, by 
temporary conditions. The market is now over-sold and 



136 Classified Commeecial Coerespondence. 

the liquidation which occurred in the last two or three days 
has run its course. We now look for a gradual advance in 
the market. There is still a large short interest outstand- 
ing which will soon begin to cover, and stocks will doubt- 
less be selling from five to ten points higher by the end of 
the month. We recommend the purchase of such stocks as 
St. Paul, Missouri Pacific, Union Pacific, Chicago, Great 
Western, and the Atchison issues. Chesapeake and Ohio, in 
our opinion, is also a very good purchase around present 
prices. Southern Pacific should be bought and held for an 
advance of at least ten points. In the industrial group, we 
still recommend the purchase of Peoples' Gas, Amalgamated 
Copper, and Steel common and preferred. (289) 

Yours truly, 

To the Stockholders of 249. 

The Midland and Western Railroad Company : 

In accordance with an action of the Board of Direc- 
tors, stockholders registered on the books of the company at 
the close of business on December 26, 1903, will be entitled 
to subscribe at par between December 27, 1903, and Janu- 
ary 20, 1904, for ten per cent, of their holdings as registered 
December 26, 1903. On January 20, 1904, this privilege 
will cease. In accordance with this action, stockholders 
will be allowed to subscribe for new stock, as shown on the 
accompanying list. The basis is one share for each ten 
shares held, and for a remainder of shares less than ten, an 
additional fraction of a share is allotted. 

Payment in full for such stock must be made between 
January 14 and 20, 1904. At the time of such payment the 
inclosed form of subscription, or assignment of allotment, 
duly executed, must be surrendered, at which time a receipt 
for the amount paid will be given. These receipts will be 



Stocks and Investments. 137 

negotiable, and provision is made thereon that in lieu of 
dividend on the nevr stock from January 20 until May 1, 
1904, the sum of seventy cents per share will be paid on and 
after the latter date, on surrender of the receipt and delivery 
of the certificate for said stock. 

Should a subscriber desire to subscribe for only a por- 
tion of the stock to which he is entitled he will use the 
*' subscription for allotment " blank for that purpose, and 
the ' ' assignment of allotment ' ^ blank for such portion as 
he may desire to sell. 

Stockholders desiring their new certificates for full 
shares on May 1, 1904, must deposit their receipts with the 
Transfer Department of the company, on or before March 
15, 1904. For all receipts for full shares deposited after 
that date, and for all receipts for fractions of shares, certifi- 
cates will be ready for delivery as soon after May 1, 1904, 
as practicable. Due notice of delivery will be given. 

Eeceipts covering fractions of shares will be ex- 
changed for stock when presented in multiples of fifty dol- 
lars. Eeceipts presented after January 1, 1904, will not be 
exchanged for capital stock,, but will be redeemed after 
that date in cash at their face value. (366) 

, Treasurer. 

Mr. Andrew Steckler, 250. 

Allegheny, Pa. 
Dear Sir : 

The election had no immediate effect on the market, 
and after the first excitement was over, the existing pessi- 
mism began to give way to a more hopeful feeling in regard 
to the situation. There is little likelihood of a repetition 
of the wild speculation of a few months ago, for any 
attempt will be checked promptly by the banking interests 



138 Classified Commercial Coeeespondence. - 

until the money situation is in better condition. The mar- 
ket seems absolutely safe, and the present level of prices, 
which averages some ten points lower than that of Septem- 
ber, is tempting enough to induce a steady and growing 
increase in investment-buying by the large banking interests. 
The confidence of the buyers is founded on the general 
soundness of the business situation. Eailroad earnings are 
now going to be the determining factor in shaping the course 
of prices, and the absolute assurance that, for the next nine 
months or year, these will exceed those of any previous 
period induces us to believe that railroad stocks are selling 
much too low. An Atchison official writes us from Chicago : 
' ^ In all my connection with the Atchison road, and indeed 
in all the history of the property, there has never been such 
an increase in traffic as during the past thirty days. The 
business offering is far in excess of the most sanguine esti- 
mates.^' 

It is estimated that this year's exports of corn alone 
will exceed 300,000,000 bushels, while those of other cereals 
and cotton will be correspondingly large ; a consideration 
of the utmost importance in its bearing on the market for 
exchange. An early movement in corn will lessen the 
chances of gold exports, the fears of which constitute the 
greatest drawback to public buying. The public are prac- 
tically out of the market and the transactions at present are 
confined to the selling of the professional element, which 
takes naturally to the short side, and the buying of the 
banking interests and their following, which comprise the 
strongest and richest class in the country. Under these 
conditions it looks as though purchases at present prices 
would prove very profitable within sixty or ninety days, 
and we practically recommend the lower and medium priced 
railroads and traction stocks. (369) 

Yours truly, 



Electricity. 139 

Electricity. 

Mr. Howard Cleaver, 251. 

Joplin, Mo. 
Dear Sir : 

I have your letter of the 7th in reference to photo- 
meter standard lamps. When lamps are not ordered as 
rotary standards, we usually furnish lamps tested in both 
stationary position and rotating. The lamps are marked 
with an arrow showing the position in which the lamps give 
16 candle power at the voltage labeled. These, we trust, 
will be entirely satisfactory to you. (63) 

Yours truly, 

Mr. Wm. Barr, 252. 

Mansfield, O. 
My dear Mr. Barr : 

The incandescent lamps were received several days 
ago. I have not yet tried any of them on induction coil, 
because I wish to be sure of their exact condition and so run 
no chances of possible damage. The choice of conditions 
under which the ''sealing off'' occurred, I feel sure will 
give a very good demonstration of the changing conditions 
of the vacuum as the lamp is exhausted and finished. 

Yours very truly, (70) 

The Aladdin Electric Co., 253. 

Evansville, Ind. 
Dear Sir : 

Please enter order for 800 double petticoat deep 
groove standard glass insulators, to be used with 4/0 
weatherproof wire ; also 2,500 No. 5, type B, regular glaze 
filled porcelain insulators. The price on the glass insula- 
tors is to be $41.50 per thousand ; on the porcelain insula- 
tors, 30 cents each ; all f. o. b. factory. Terms are to be 60 
days, or 2 per cent, off for cash in ten days. (76) 

Yours truly, 



140 Classified Commercial Coreespondence. 

Mr. Thomas Eedfield, 254. 

Salem, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

In answer to your letter of October 22 regarding the 
changing of your E-2 dynamo from right hand to left hand, 
would state that our engineers at the factory have gone over 
this subject very carefully. All the material specified by 
you is necessary, and in addition a regulator armature No. 
1720 and lever bar No. 1721 is needed. In view of the con- 
ditions, we name you the specially low price of $90 for all 
material enumerated. 

Trusting this is the information you desire, we 

remain (90) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. Kobert Mackay , 255. 

New Britain, Conn. 
Dear Sir : 

Eef erring to your letter of February 17, we would 
say that catalogue No. 2865 covers our porcelain hanger 
board for constant potential arc lamps. With this hanger 
board can be used a pendant push button switch, as shown 
in our catalogue No. 50725. Catalogue No. 2083 is for 
porcelain hanger for series arc use and arranged with abso- 
lute cutout. In placing the order it will be advisable to 
order as many of the fuse plugs as you desire. 

Hoping to receive your order, we remain 

Yours truly, (90) 

The Flagg Electrical Supply Co., 256. 

Havana, Cuba. 
Gentlemen : 

In reply to your letter, we beg to refer you to the 
General Electric Co., New York, for dynamos, meters, 
motors, etc. 



Electricity. 141 

We cannot give you the agency for Cuba without 
further consideration, as we have already placed some of our 
catalogues in that country. We are not aware of having 
sent any to other firms in Havana, and for the present will 
refrain from doing so. 

In making a draft with bill of lading, we cannot 
deduct the cash discount of 2 per cent., 30 days, as too 
much time would elapse before we could receive the 
money. 

Awaiting further information, we remain 

Yours truly, (104) 

The Slater Manufacturing Co., 257. 

Newcastle, Pa. 
Gentlemen : 

In regard to the armature core stampings you desire, 
we wish to say that a letter from our Schenectady works 
states that they have ordered sent to you two punchings, 
which, while not being exactly like your sketch, may possi- 
bly meet your requirements. These punchings have a 
small ear projecting out on the side of the slot instead of 
being perfectly straight as in the sketch = If,, however, they 
will not answer your purposes, kindly let us know and we 
will try to obtain some exactly like the sketch. This, of 
course, would take some little time. 

We ask you to accept these punchings with our com- 
pliments. (107) 

Yours very truly. 

The Sparks Electric Co., 258. 

Eacine, Wis. 
Dear Sirs : 

Inclosed you will find a sample of the Imperial Flexi- 
ble Conduit. This conduit we believe to be the best in the 
market. You will note its construction, its finish, its 



142 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

cleanliness, its smooth interior, and its flexibility. It will 
remain absolutely waterproof under all conditions, and will 
not be affected by temperature changes. In addition to 
these points, it has withstood a test of 19,000 volts, and has 
shown an insulation resistance of 50 megohms. The cost 
is no more than that of the old style conduit ; yet it makes 
a better installation both electrically and mechanically, and 
in labor saves from 15 to 20 per cent. 

If you will let us hear from you further, we shall be 
glad to quote prices. (125) 

Yours very truly, 

Mr. S. J. Babcock, 259. 

Lynn, Mass. 
Dear Sir : 

You may enter our order for the following overhead 
line material, with prices as listed : 

650 — L. S. straight line hangers $ .33 

100— Feeder ears . . . ... • • - 35 

525—2/0 D. G. straight line ears 22 

24— Splicing sleeves 2/0 50 

45 — Wood pole box lightning arresters 3.08 

65— Double pull-offs L. S. 60 

8 — Right hand overhead frogs 7.50 

700 — Pair 30^^ cross arm braces plain (per 100) 9.80 

2800— Jx6^^ plain lags 1.73 

2800— f X 4—1/4 carriage bolts ..... 05 

3000—8 X f ^^ 4/0 rail bonds, strip type 32 

900— J X 12^^ eye bolts (each) , . .06 

These materials are to be delivered to us on points 
between Northeast, Erie Co., Pa., and Westfield, Chautau- 
qua Co., N. Y. , on either the Lake Shore and Michigan 



Electricity. 143 

Southern, or the New York, Chicago and St. Louis R. R. 
Terms to be« 60 days after shipment ; all material to be 
delivered f. o. b. points stated. 

As there is some question about the section of rail, 
we have ordered only 3,000 bonds. As soon as the section 
for the rest of the rail is determined, we will notify you as 
to the remainder of the order. If sufficient discount for 
cash in ten days is offered, we may take advantage of it. 
We will notify you when to commence shipment. 

Yours very truly, (270) 

Messrs. Brinton & Murphey, 260, 

Chicago, 111. 
Gentlemen : 

We beg to submit report of test on samples of mica, 
as follows : 

The specimens are exceedingly soft, and do not split 
well. They have a green color and contain a number of 
spots, the composition of which we are unable to determine. 
The appearance of the mica is not attractive, and its softness 
and appearance would bar it from use on high grade appa- 
ratus. It would not, however, bar it from use as commu- 
tator segments, or as a basis for micanite, or other insulating 
mixtures composed of mica and shellac. 

Break-down Test : The test was made for break- 
down at a potential of 2, 000 volts. We repeatedly pierced 
the specimen .001^^ thick at the above voltage, and failed 
to break down the specimen .00,/^ thick. This indicates 
that the break-down thickness lies between .001^^ and .002^^, 
which is considerably lower than the best sariaples of India 
or amber mica at the same voltage. 

Insulation Test : We found the insulation resist- 
ance on specimens of this mica .001^^ thick to be 158,854 
megohms. This is a very fair average insulation for mica. 



144 Classified Commercial Correspondence. 

The tests were made on specimens of pure mica, as well as 

on those containing dark spots. The resistance tests were 

in all cases the same, indicating that the dark spots had no 

effect upon the resistance. 

For comparison, we inclose samples of the highest 

grade India mica and amber mica. You will observe that 

they are much harder than your specimens and of better 

appearance. ( 250 ) 

Very truly yours, 



Index 



General Office Correspondence 5 

Stationers' Supplies 15 

Rubber Goods 20 

Building Materials 23 

Advertising 29 

Liquors 34 

Dry Goods and Furnishings 36 

Coal 43 

Real Estate 49 

Provisions 55 

Educational 62 

Insurance .* . 67 

Law 71 

Political 75 

Publishing .........' 82 

Agriculture 87 

Lumber 91 

Building Operations and Repairs 96 

Automobiles 103 

Railroads 107 

Oils .115 

Shipping 118 

Metal Industries . 124 

Stocks and Investments 130 

Electricity .,.,... 139 



C 24^903 



